3. Cause and transmission
Influenza is caused by a virus which attacks
the body’s cells
The virus mutates often and new strains arise.
Unfortunately immunity against one strain
does not protect against other strains.
Influenza virus may be transmitted among
humans in three ways:
By
direct contact with infected individuals
By contact with contaminated objects
By inhalation of virus-laden aerosols
5. Treatment
For most people it is best to treat the symptoms
of influenza and await natural recovery.
Take symptom relief eg. paracetamol or aspirin
to help with fever and aches and pains
There are now three influenza treatments
licensed for use in the UK:
Amantadine, taken by mouth
Oseltamivir, taken by mouth
Zanamivir, a powder that is inhaled
6. Prevention
There are many influenza viruses. Only one or
two tend to reach epidemic proportions each
year. By monitoring the progress of these
worldwide, the World Health Organisation decide
on the best mixture of influenza types to be
included in that year’s vaccine.
It is advised that people at high risk of infection
are vaccinated yearly.
10. Causes
The exact cause of anorexia remains unclear.
However, there are links between becoming
anorexic and:
Deep anxiety
Unhappiness
Low self-esteem
11. Symptoms
Lowered resistance to
illnesses
Physical weakness
Extreme weight loss
Dizzy spells and
fainting
Women stop having
monthly periods
Constipation and
abdominal pain
Swollen stomach, face
and ankles
Downy hair on the
body
Poor blood circulation
Feeling cold
Loss of bone mass
Osteoporosis
Infertility
Depression
Distorted body image
Personality changes
Inability to concentrate
12. Treatment
Most anorexics go into hospital when they
become extremely ill. Here, the first goal of
treatment is to increase and stabilise their
weight.
Behaviour therapy – encouraging the person
to eat by giving privileges (eg. telephone
calls, visits, watching TV) for eating.
Keeping a diary recording food intake, activity
and thoughts and feelings. This may uncover
deeper emotional problems.
Therapy
13. Prevention
There is no certain method of preventing
anorexia.
Parents should ensure that their daughters
have a healthy attitude about themselves, their
bodies and their diets.
It is important to watch for early signs of eating
disorders.
