Influenza A



Influenza A causes most human and all avian influenza infections.

Symptoms often include fever, head and body aches, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose. You’re at risk for serious complications if you have an underlying health condition or are pregnant. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to avoid getting sick with the flu.





Transmission: Influenza A spreads mainly through: Respiratory droplets: Coughing, sneezing, or talking. Contact with contaminated surfaces: Touching a surface with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Close contact: Living or working in close quarters with an infected person.


Symptoms: (typically appear 1–4 days after exposure): Sudden onset of fever and chills Cough (usually dry) Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headache Fatigue (tiredness) Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, more common in children



Prevention: Annual flu vaccination (most effective method) Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers Avoid close contact with sick individuals Disinfect surfaces regularly Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow Stay home if sick to prevent spreading the virus



INFLUENZA B



Influenza A and B share similar symptoms, including fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and fatigue. However, the severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Flu B, on the other hand, primarily affects humans and is usually milder, though it can still be severe in children and older adults





Transmission: Influenza B spreads in the same ways as Influenza A: Respiratory droplets: From coughing, sneezing, or talking. Surface contact: Touching virus-contaminated objects, then touching the face. Close person-to-person contact: Especially in crowded or enclosed environments.


Symptoms: (very similar to Influenza A): Fever and chills Dry cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headache Fatigue Sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting or diarrhea), more often in children


Prevention: Annual flu vaccine (protects against both Influenza A and B strains) Frequent handwashing Use of hand sanitizers Avoiding close contact with infected individuals Proper respiratory hygiene (e.g., covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing) Staying home when sick Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.



COVID



COVID-19, or Coronavirus disease, is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While most infections result in mild to moderate respiratory illness, some individuals experience severe complications, especially those with underlying medical conditions or advanced age. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols produced by infected individuals when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe.





Transmission: Primarily through respiratory droplets and smaller aerosols when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings, or breathes.


Symptoms: Can vary, but often include fever, fatigue, cough, breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and loss of taste. Severity: Most people experience mild to moderate illness, but some may require medical attention, especially those with pre-existing conditions or advanced age.


Prevention: Staying at least 1 meter apart from others, wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and vaccination are recommended to prevent transmission.