A concise review on influenza

Pratibha L. Ayanar; Simran M. Jamadar; Shweta R. Bharati; Aishwarya R. Ghanwat; Kumudini R. Pawar

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250714

Authors

Pratibha L. Ayanar Abhinav Education Society`s College of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Simran M. Jamadar Abhinav Education Society`s College of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Shweta R. Bharati Abhinav Education Society`s College of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Aishwarya R. Ghanwat Abhinav Education Society`s College of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Kumudini R. Pawar Abhinav Education Society`s College of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250714

Keywords:

Influenza, Flu, COVID-19, Pandemic, Swine flu, SARS-Cov

Abstract

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to mild to severe illness and can result in hospitalization and death. The flu virus is characterized by its ability to mutate, leading to seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. Understanding the types, risk factors, history, symptoms, causes, treatment, and mechanisms of action is crucial for effective prevention and management. It is classified into four types: A, B, C, and D, with types A and B being responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics. The flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The history of influenza dates back centuries, with notable pandemics occurring in 1918 (Spanish flu), 1957 (Asian flu), 1968 (Hong Kong flu), and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009. The 1918 pandemic was particularly devastating, infecting about one-third of the world's population and resulting in millions of deaths. For treatment of flu, vaccination is most effective method. This review focused on the symptoms, causes, treatment and mechanism of action of antiviral drug.

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Author Biography

Shweta R. Bharati, Abhinav Education Society`s College of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Student of Second year M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance

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