This droplet infection spreads from person to person through exposure to virus-containing respiratory secretions, primarily large droplets produced during coughing and sneezing. Close contact with an infected individual and touching contaminated surfaces are also significant sources of transmission. Influenza typically manifests as a seasonal outbreak, especially during the winter months, affecting millions of people worldwide.
The impact of influenza epidemics—ranging from disease incidence and epidemic strength to mortality and morbidity—largely depends on the susceptibility of the community. Annual vaccination programs play a critical role in preventing and controlling influenza outbreaks. However, eradicating the disease requires continuous, innovative research to deepen our understanding of the viral infection biology, genomics, immune response, and influenza virus epidemiology.
Etiology of Influenza
Influenza viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and are RNA viruses that exhibit diverse antigenic characteristics. The viruses are categorized into three main types: Influenza A, B, and C. Influenza A and B are the primary culprits behind severe disease outbreaks, while Influenza C typically causes sporadic, mild upper respiratory symptoms.
Clinical Presentation and Complications of Influenza
Patients infected with influenza often experience a sudden onset of flu symptoms, including high-grade fever, myalgia, headache, malaise, and anorexia, which are commonly associated with upper respiratory issues such as a non-productive cough, sore throat, and nasal discharge. In cases of severe viremia, multiple organs, including the lungs, brain, and heart, may be affected, leading to serious complications and potentially death.
The pulmonary complications of influenza include severe primary influenza, viral pneumonia, and secondary bacterial pneumonia. Non-pulmonary complications can include myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, encephalitis, acute liver failure, and Reye syndrome. Early diagnosis and prompt antiviral treatment are crucial in reducing the severe consequences of influenza.
Clinical Diagnosis of Influenza
While flu symptoms are often self-limiting and can be diagnosed based on clinical presentation, laboratory confirmation is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. Nucleic acid-based tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), along with rapid diagnostic kits, are commonly used. Occasionally, virus isolation through culture methods is employed.
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are used to detect viral antigens in a patient's respiratory secretions, enabling quick screening of infected individuals. RT-PCR, a molecular test, is more specific and sensitive, distinguishing between the different types and subtypes of the influenza virus.
An Insight into Flu Samples or Influenza Biospecimens We Offer
To support continuous, innovative research on influenza, Central BioHub offers a wide range of highly annotated human influenza test samples. These samples are collected from genuine donors of all ages, genders, and ethnicities who are either suspected or clinically confirmed to have influenza. Our inventory includes reliable flu samples such as human serum, plasma, and respiratory secretions (including influenza swab test samples), all stored at temperatures below -18°C at our partner's biobank. Each influenza sample is thoroughly tested in certified laboratories for anti-influenza-A IgG and anti-influenza-B IgG to ensure accurate disease confirmation.
We are committed to facilitating top-tier research by offering a seamless online ordering experience for influenza biospecimens. Our comprehensive online inventory features a robust selection of influenza research samples, including both Influenza A and Influenza B specimens. Understanding the critical nature of timely and accurate data, we prioritize fast shipping and reliable delivery of flu samples to meet the urgent needs of researchers.
Explore advanced search options to find Influenza biospecimens by clicking Clinical Diagnosis, ICD-10-CM codes, Matrix, and Laboratory Parameters.