الأنفلونزا

Influenza (seasonal)

Influenza laboratory training in Rabat (Photo: WHO).Influenza laboratory training in Rabat (Photo: WHO).

Seasonal influenza is a viral respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, bronchi and, occasionally, the lungs. Infection usually lasts for about a week and is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles and joints, headache and severe malaise, non-productive cough, sore throat and rhinitis.

Seasonal influenza is caused by human types of influenza viruses – influenza B, C and few sub-types of A – which circulate worldwide and can affect people in any age group. They are transmitted easily from person to person via droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze.

The time from infection to illness is about 2 days. Most infected people recover within 1 to 2 weeks without requiring medical treatment. However, in high risk groups, including the very young, the elderly, and those with serious medical conditions, infection can lead to severe complications of the underlying condition, pneumonia and death. To prevent transmission, people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing and wash their hands regularly.

Influenza tends to spread rapidly in seasonal epidemics. Influenza epidemics can take an economic toll through lost workforce productivity and strained health services.

The most effective way to prevent influenza is vaccination. Safe and effective vaccines are available, and have been used for more than 60 years. Antiviral drugs are available for treatment, and may reduce severe complications and deaths. Ideally they need to be administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms although influenza viruses can develop resistance to the drugs.

Seasonal influenza is a viral respiratory infection that circulates in all parts of the world. It causes illnesses that range in severity from mild to severe. Influenza can cause major complications or death, particularly among high-risk groups including young children (6-59 months old), older adults (above 65 years), pregnant women, health workers and those with chronic medical conditions.

To support Member States in preparing for this winter season 2021-2022, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is providing these information resources for the benefit of high-risk groups and the general public. They include updated information on the disease, its modes of transmission and preventive measures that can be followed including the influenza vaccine. These materials are available in different formats including posters, Q&As, and videos. While the materials are available in Arabic, English and French, Member States can translate them into other local languages as needed.

 

Information resources

طباعة PDF

Peer-reviewed articles

Influenza pandemic preparedness in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

Full text

Thematic issue of EMHJ on influenza and other emerging respiratory infections in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Full Text

Clinical management guidelines for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: technical basis and overview

Al Hajjar S, Malik MR, Hallaj Z, El-Bushra H, Opoka M, Mafi AR. 

Full text [pdf 198kb] 

The challenges of global case reporting during pandemic A (H1N1) 2009

Stephanie Williams, Julia Fitzner, Angela Merianos, Anthony Mounts, and for the Case-based Surveillance Evaluation Group

Full Text

Infographics

PIP_achievements

Key achievements of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution implementation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Videos

EMARIS 2017 – Interviews and informational videos

Flyers

Simple actions can protect you from seasonal influenza

Advice for the protection of yourself and others

Advice for the protection of yourself and others

Advice for the protection of vulnerable groups

Advice for the protection of vulnerable groups

Advice for the protection of health care workers

Advice for the protection of health care workers

Prevention is better than cure

How to protect your children from seasonal influenza

How to protect your children [pdf 390kb] - English | French | Arabic

How to protect yourself and others from seasonal influenza

How to protect yourself and others [pdf 427kb] - English | FrenchArabic

How to protect students at schools and nurseries from seasonal influenza

How to protect students at schools and nurseries [pdf 484kb] - English | FrenchArabic

How to protect yourself and others from seasonal influenza: follow the three golden Cs

How to protect yourself and others: follow the three golden Cs [pdf 237kb] - EnglishFrench | Arabic

Data

Global influenza strategy 2019-2030

FluID – a global influenza epidemiological data sharing platform

GISRS – Global influenza surveillance and response System

FluNet – a tool for global influenza virological surveillance

Technical guidance

WHO Global Epidemiological Surveillance Standards for Influenza

WHO checklist for influenza pandemic preparedness planning

WHO collaborating centres and essential regulatory laboratories 

Tool for influenza pandemic risk assessment (TIPRA)

Implementation of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, July 2014–August 2016

Special issue of the Bulletin on Influenza in the 21st Century Volume 90, Number 4, April 2012, 245-320

Public health measures during the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic Meeting report

WHO activities in avian influenza and pandemic influenza preparedness January - December 2006

Training materials

Community case management during an influenza outbreak
A training package for community health workers

Meeting reports

Third intercountry meeting on the Eastern Mediterranean Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance network - Amman, Jordan 14–16 September 2015

Second intercountry meeting on the Eastern Mediterranean Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance (EMARIS) network - Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, 24–27 November 2013

Intercountry meeting on the Eastern Mediterranean Acute Respiratory Illness Surveillance network Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt 12–13 December 2012

Subregional meeting on improving public health preparedness for epidemic influenza Amman, Jordan 20–22 August 2013

Meeting on influenza at the human-animal interface Cairo, Egypt 19–21 March 2013 

Intercountry meeting on Human Pandemic Influenza: establishment/strengthening and alternative strategies for surveillance and response in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt 27–29 April 2010

First consultation of the team of experts on avian and pandemic influenza, Cairo, Egypt 3–7 June 2007