Influenza : seasonal triage

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused primarily by influenza viruses type A and B. These viruses are characterized by their ability to undergo frequent genetic changes, which can lead to seasonal outbreaks and occasional pandemics. Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus followed by touching the face. The incubation period for influenza—the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms—typically ranges from one to four days, with most individuals developing symptoms around two days after being infected.

Seasonal influenza is a recurrent viral infection that poses a significant public health challenge globally, characterized by its cyclical outbreaks and associated morbidity and mortality. Epidemiologically, seasonal influenza affects millions of individuals each year, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that seasonal influenza epidemics result in approximately 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and between 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually (Nelson et al., 2011; Foppa et al., 2015). The incidence of seasonal influenza is influenced by various factors, including age, underlying health conditions, and the level of vaccination coverage within the population. The...