Definition Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system your nose, throat and lungs.

. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is not the same as the stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:

Young children Older adults Pregnant women People with weakened immune systems People who have chronic illnesses Your best defense against influenza is to receive an annual vaccination Symptoms Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a nuisance, you usually feel much worse with the flu. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

Fever over 100 F (38 C) Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs Chills and sweats Headache Dry cough Fatigue and weakness Nasal congestion

Cause Flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object such as a telephone or computer keyboard and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, with new strains appearing regularly. If you've had influenza in the past, your body has already made antibodies to fight that particular strain of the virus. If future influenza viruses are similar to what you had before, either by having the disease or by vaccination, those antibodies may prevent infection or lessen its severity. But antibodies against flu viruses you've encountered in the past can't protect you from new influenza subtypes that are very different immunologically from what you had before. Four such different (novel) virus subtypes have appeared in humans since the global epidemic (pandemic) of 1918, which killed tens of millions of people.

Complications

If you're young and healthy, seasonal influenza usually isn't serious. Although you may feel miserable while you have it, the flu usually goes away with no lasting effects. But high-risk children and adults may develop complications such as:

Pneumonia Bronchitis Sinus infections Ear infections

Pneumonia is the most common and most serious. For older adults and people with a chronic illness, pneumonia can be deadly. The best protection is vaccination against both pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza.

What are human parainfluenza viruses? Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV) are a group of viruses that cause different types of respiratory infections and are most common in children and babies. Most HPIV usually cause infections of the upper airway such as a common cold, ear infections, or sore throat. Other infections caused by HPIV include infections of the lower respiratory tract such as croup (an infection of the airway below the larynx, or "voice box," that is characterized by a barky cough and harsh, noisy breathing), pneumonia, or bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the lower airways).

Croup outbreaks usually occur during the fall season and alternate every other year. Lower respiratory tract infections occur during the spring and summer and often continue into the fall. Children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years are most likely to develop croup. Children under the age of 2 are more likely to develop lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Reinfections can occur after the first infection, but are usually less severe.

How are HPIV transmitted? HPIV can occur by either direct contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person or by coming in contact with infectious material then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Most children develop an infection with HPIV before they are 5 years old. What are the symptoms of HPIV? The following are the most common symptoms of HPIV infections. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

runny nose redness or swelling of the eyes barky cough noisy, harsh breathing hoarse voice or cry rattling felt over the chest or back wheezing fever irritability decreased appetite vomiting diarrhea

How are HPIV diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical history, physical examination of your child, and knowledge of regional outbreaks, other diagnostic procedures for HPIV may include:

blood work nasal swab of respiratory secretions chest x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

Treatment for HPIV: Once a child is infected, treatment is supportive (aimed at alleviating the symptoms present). Because a virus causes the infection, antibiotics are not useful. Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on:

your child's age, overall health, and medical history extent of the disease your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies expectations for the course of the disease your opinion or preference

HPIV usually cause mild symptoms of a common cold, but are also a common cause of croup. Croup symptoms can be very scary for parents. Supportive treatment for croup may include:

Take your child into cool, night air. A bathroom with the shower running may also help ease your child's breathing. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Treat a fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as instructed by your child's physician) Keep your child as quiet and calm as possible to help decrease the breathing effort.

Adenovirus Infection - Causes and Symptoms Definition: Adenoviruses are are DNA viruses (small infectious agents) that cause upper respiratory tract infections such as a common cold, conjunctivitis (an infection in the eye), croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis (inflammation of the lower airways), or pneumonia. Adenoviruses are responsible for about 3-5% of acute respiratory infections in children and 2% of respiratory illnesses in civilian adults. They are very common among military recruits and other young people who live in institutional environments. Outbreaks among children are frequently reported at boarding schools and summer camps. Adenoviruses can also cause infections in the urinary tract or intestinal tract. In children, adenoviruses usually cause infections in the respiratory tract and intestinal tract. Causes of Adenovirus Infection Anyone can get adenoviral infections, from newborns to the elderly - but, are more common among children of ages 6 months and 2 years. Children in day care are most likely to get repeated adenoviral infections. Adenovirus can spread via direct contact, airborne transmission , fecal-oral transmission, and occasionally waterborne transmission. Because the virus is stable in the environment, fomites are a common cause of spread. Spread has been documented from contaminated swimming pools and towels. Some types of adenoviruses are capable of establishing persistent asymptomatic infections in the tonsils , adenoids , and intestines. Shedding of the virus can occur for months or years after the initial infection.

Symptoms of Adenovirus Infection Outbreaks of adenovirus-associated respiratory disease have been more common in the late winter, spring, and early summer. However, adenovirus infections can occur throughout the year. Children who have normal immune systems usually experience only very minor symptoms when infected with adenovirus. The course of infection tends to be more serious in children who are immunocompromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or those who have a disease that disrupts normal immune response (e.g. human immunodeficiency syndrome [HIV]). In such children, the virus more often affects organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and the risk of fatality increases. Other Symptoms associated with adenovirus infections may be:

Cough. Fever. Runny Nose. Sore Throat. Watery Eyes.

Treatment of Adenovirus Infection Most infections are mild and require no therapy or only symptomatic treatment. Supportive treatment includes bed rest, antipyretics, and analgesics. Ocular infections may require corticosteroids and direct supervision by an ophthalmologist. Because there is no virus-specific therapy, serious adenovirus illness can be managed only by treating symptoms and complications of the infection. In a very few cases, hospitalization may be required - like in case of pneumonia (in infants) to prevent death and in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKe) to prevent blindness. Some other Treatment options which may make healing fast are:

Increased Fluid Intake - Keeping your child well hydrated by encouraging fluids by mouth is important. If necessary, an intravenous (IV) line may be started to give your child fluids and essential electrolytes.

Bronchodilator Medications - Bronchodilator medications may be used to open your child's airways. These medications are often administered in an aerosol mist by a mask or through an inhaler.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a viral disease of the lungs. It is one of the most important causes of lower respiratory tract illness in infants and young children. RSV is spread by contact with droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. Persons with mild infections usually get better without treatment. Severely ill children often need to be hospitalized. There is currently no vaccine to prevent RSV infection. The best ways to prevent the spread of RSV are to cover coughs and sneezes and to wash hands often and well. Intravenous immune globulin treatment has recently been approved for use in high-risk infants.

What is respiratory syncytial virus infection? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is one of the most important causes of lower respiratory illness in infants and young children. It also causes both mild and serious respiratory diseases in older children and adults. What is the infectious agent that causes RSV infection? RSV infection is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. Where is RSV infection found? RSV infections occur worldwide. Most children are infected at least once by age 2 and continue to be reinfected throughout life. In temperate climates, RSV infections usually occur in the winter. Peaks occur in January and February in the United States. How do people get RSV infection?

The virus is found in discharges from the nose and throat of an infected person. People can get RSV infection by:

Breathing in droplets after an infected person has coughed Hand-to-mouth contact after touching an infected person Hand-to-mouth contact with a surface that an infected person has touched or coughed on

What are the signs and symptoms of RSV infection? RSV infections can range from very mild illness to serious lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, that occur mostly in the very young, the very old, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can last for a few days to several weeks. Signs and symptoms in young children are usually mild and similar to a cold. They include stuffy nose, cough, and sometimes ear infection. In older children and adults, RSV causes upper respiratory infection involving the nose, throat, or sinuses. Children who develop a lower respiratory tract infection often have low-grade fever for several days, a cough that sometimes lasts more than 2 weeks, and respiratory symptoms including difficult or rapid breathing and deep coughing. Symptoms in newborns and young infants may include irritability, listlessness, and poor feeding. What complications can result from RSV infection? A person with a first RSV infection can develop severe breathing problems that need to be managed in the hospital. RSV infections in premature babies less than 6 months old and in infants with chronic lung, heart, or immune problems are most likely to be severe and lead to death. How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? Illness usually starts within 3 to 5 days of infection. How is RSV infection diagnosed? There are tests for RSV infection, but the diagnosis is sometimes based on symptoms and time of year.

What complications can result from RSV infection? Infants and young children with a first RSV infection can develop a severe infection in the lower respiratory tract. Approximately 80,000 children are hospitalized with these infections each year. Most children needing hospitalization are newborns and infants and those with weak immune systems, congenital heart or lung disease, or prematurity. What is the treatment for RSV infection? Most people with mild RSV infections usually get better without treatment. Care of patients with mild illness centers on relieving symptoms and easing breathing. Those with more serious infections are sometimes treated in the hospital with the anti-virus drug ribavirin. Some hospitalized patients need intensive care and mechanical ventilation (respirator).

. Influenza There are several good monographs available on the homoeopathic treatment of influenza. Some of these are rather overdue for updating and really should be distributed to the homoeopathic community at large (in time for the next global pandemic). Anyone who wants to understand the potential dangers of suppressing the primary fever in viral illnesses, only needs to read Thomas Sydenham who watched the effects of antipyretics (or their absence) on the fate of hundreds of people during the great viral haemorrhagic fevers of the seventeenth century. Patients should not take paracetamol-based drugs for the symptoms of flu. Oscillococcinum (Hepar et cordis barbarae) is a nosode prepared from the hearts and livers of wild ducks, which was employed in the treatment if influenza, long before it was known that wildfowl are the main reservoir and vector for influenza pandemics. There are good quality studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Oscillococcinum in the treatment of flu. The identification of the acute homoeopathic similimum is, nevertheless, of paramount importance.

Avoiding Formulaic Treatments There is a tendency in some prescribers to prescribe Atropa belladonna for every fever, when in fact the patient really needs Datura stramonium or Duboisinum, or Solanum dulcamara, or Baptisia tinctora, or China officinalis, or Ferrum phosphoricum (etc.) Inadequate differentiation by the prescriber; or the unfocused use of homeopathy simultaneously with symptomatic

drugs and antibiotics, are common causes of prescribing failure. One of the most obvious abuses is the overuse of Bryonia alba for coughs. Bryonia is a highly complex remedy with very clear guiding respiratory symptoms. Only a very small number of patients with persistent cough actually respond properly to this remedy. (ie those who reflect the Bryonia state'). Some manufacturers provide Bryonia in a cough linctus. The syrups and linctuses to which it is added can themselves offer some comfort, but the Bryonia tends to actively block the response to well prescribed remedies, so it should never be used at the same time as expertly chosen remedies. The issue of over-prescribing It could be argued that over-prescribing is a modern-day problem for children, who are unable to make informed choices about their own treatment. Many children have never worked through a viral respiratory infection without concurrent exposure to paracetamol, ephedrine or antibiotics. We do not yet know whether drug-mediated alterations of acute physiology or immunology in our child population, might be implicated in the markedly increased incidence of childhood asthma and secretory otitis media (glue ear) in recent years. The emergence of this prescribing culture and these demographic trends have occurred over the same time-frame. Regardless of whether there are long term health consequences to phamacological meddling during childhood acutes, there are certainly millions of pounds wasted on symptomatic drugs which are needlessly administered for self-limiting conditions. The respiratory microflora in health and illness One of the most important determinants of health in the respiratory tract is the state of our microflora. Our bodies are host to many millions of microorganisms which are in symbiotic relationships, with each other and with us. There has been a tendency in the past, to regard our microflora as an irrelvant or incidental group of passengers. Increasingly we are aware that the constituent nature of this microflora is important to our health. If our passenger organisms belong to groups that don't release toxins or evoke inflammation, their presence can significantly inhibit the growth of those that can. The microflora of the respiratory tract changes during an infection, mainly because their physical and immune environment changes as the host tries to inhibit the primary pathogen. When left to itself the flora will usually revert back to a stable healthy state after the infection has been resolved. However, when an infection has been prolonged because the host is debilitated, or subjected to the over-prescribing of symptomatic drugs, the microflora can evolve to a less healthy state (dysbiosis). Groups of less

welcome organisms can overgrow and provoke persistent inflammation and catarrh. Sometimes persistence of the primary pathogen is responsible, and homeopathically this might warrant potencies of eg. Haemophillus, Mycoplasma, Micrococcus, Streptococcus or whatever nosode is aetiologically relevant. However, the residual disturbances in the respiratory microflora are usually made up of various aerobic bacteria. Many of these are generally regarded as harmless by bacteriologists, since they are often isolated from healthy people. When certain subspecies over-colonise, however, they cause problems which can persist long after the primary infection and antibiotic treatments are over. These often require a more complex nosode. Sycotic co is one of the most useful homoeopathic nosodes for persisting post-infective catarrh in the ears, nose, sinuses or lower airways. Sometimes potencies of Morbillinum (measles) is indicated in children who develop glue ear after measles or measles vaccination. Dysbiosis and relapsing conditions of the airways Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways, which is often characterised by havi ng a relapsing or acute on chronic' pattern. Although each acute flareup seemingly responds to antibiotics, there is often a progressive change in the microflora. This is often attended by excessive secretions and persisting inflammatory change. Smoking and exposure to environmental irritants often compounds or perpetuates the problem. When the perpetuating causes are left untreated, patients tend to develop increasingly frequent infections, attended with low-grade relapsing fevers. Longstanding inflammation can ultimately give rise to more serious cardiorespiratory complications. The cycles of infection can be often be broken by using Chininum sulph., Morgan pure, Bacillinum and those remedies which alter the secretory environment. Homoeopathic remedies can also be nebulised under medical guidance and this can be a particularly effective mode of remedy administration during acutes.