Influenza as a Communicable Disease: Causes, Risks & Control
This paper examines influenza as a communicable disease, beginning with a description of the virus, its symptoms, and its modes of transmission. It then identifies the demographic groups most vulnerable to severe illness and death, including the very young, the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those with preexisting conditions. The paper explores the key determinants of health that influence individual outcomes and applies the epidemiologic triangle framework — agent, host, and environment — to explain how the disease spreads. It also discusses the vital role of the community health nurse in surveillance, data collection, and community guidance, and highlights the CDC's national efforts to monitor and reduce influenza transmission.
- Introduction to Influenza: Virus description, symptoms, and transmission routes
- Demographics of Interest: High-risk groups, mortality rates, and pandemic history
- Determinants of Health: Lifestyle and health factors shaping flu outcomes
- The Epidemiologic Triangle: Agent, host, and environment framework applied to influenza
- Role of the Community Health Nurse: Surveillance, data collection, and community guidance duties
- National Agency: The CDC: CDC's role in monitoring and breaking disease transmission
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What makes this paper effective
- The paper maintains a clear organizational structure, moving logically from disease description to vulnerable populations, health determinants, a theoretical framework, professional roles, and national policy — each section building on the last.
- It grounds abstract concepts (such as the epidemiologic triangle) in concrete examples specific to influenza, making the framework immediately applicable rather than purely theoretical.
- The paper appropriately balances breadth and depth for its scope, covering biology, population health, and public health practice without losing focus.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates effective use of a conceptual framework (the epidemiologic triangle) to organize and interpret epidemiological evidence. By mapping agent, host, and environment onto the specific dynamics of influenza transmission, the author shows how theoretical models can structure public health analysis and generate actionable insights.
Structure breakdown
The paper is divided into six sections: an introduction describing the disease and its transmission; a demographics section identifying high-risk groups; a health determinants section examining individual and lifestyle factors; an epidemiologic triangle section applying a standard public health model; a section on the community health nurse's surveillance and reporting role; and a concluding section on the CDC's national prevention efforts. References follow APA format throughout.
Introduction to Influenza
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is a prevalent illness during the winter months throughout the United States and many other countries. Both birds and all mammals can contract influenza (Brankston et al., 2007). In recent years there have been concerns regarding "bird flu" and "swine flu," both of which are simply different strains of the same virus. The cause of the flu is an RNA virus in the family Orthomyxoviridae (Eccles, 2005). Once people contract the flu, they present with common symptoms such as chills, fever, a runny nose, muscle pains, a sore throat, and a headache. The headache is quite often severe, and flu sufferers may also experience weakness, fatigue, severe bouts of coughing, and a general feeling of overall discomfort. People with the flu can also become nauseated and vomit, although that is more typical in children and less common in adults (Eccles, 2005). Many people also confuse influenza with the common cold, as many of the symptoms are similar; however, the flu is considerably more severe.
The flu is transmitted from person to person and can also be transmitted to people from animals (Eccles, 2005). When a person who has the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus is transmitted through the air in aerosol droplets. However, there are other ways to contract the flu. If a person touches nasal secretions from an infected person or droppings from an infected bird, he or she can catch influenza (Eccles, 2005). Additionally, viruses can survive on various surfaces, sometimes for extended periods. If a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches his or her nose, eyes, or mouth, the virus can be transmitted that way. This is why hand washing is emphasized so strongly during flu season. Treatment of the flu typically involves rest, adequate fluid intake, and over-the-counter medications. Tamiflu is a popular antiviral option, but it can be in short supply during widespread flu outbreaks.
References
Ballinger, M. N., & Standiford, T. J. (2010). Postinfluenza bacterial pneumonia: Host defenses gone awry. Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research, 30(9), 643–652.
Brankston, G., Gitterman, L., Hirji, Z., Lemieux, C., & Gardam, M. (2007). Transmission of influenza A in human beings. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 7(4), 257–265.
Eccles, R. (2005). Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 5(11), 718–725.
Harper, S. A., Fukuda, K., Uyeki, T. M., Cox, N. J., & Bridges, C. B. (2005). Prevention and control of influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 54(RR-8), 1–40.
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