Describe the social determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease. NRS 428 Topic 2: Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?

Describe the social determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease. NRS 428 Topic 2: Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?

Causes, Symptoms, and Mode of Transportation

Influenza is caused by a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract, including the nose,

throat, bronchi, and sometimes the lungs (WHO, 2004). This virus spreads from person to person

both directly and indirectly. Directly through droplets, having the potential to spread when an

infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks in close proximity to uninfected persons.

Indirectly via interacting with surfaces that are contaminated with the virus. Once infected, the

disease usually lasts for about a week (WHO, 2004). Symptoms of influenza can be seen in the

form of sudden-onset fever, myalgia, severe malaise, non-productive cough, sore throat, rhinitis,

and headache (WHO, 2004). On initial infection, it can take anywhere from one to four days for

a person to start developing symptoms, and the person can remain infectious for up to seven days

after those initial symptoms appear (WHO, 2004).

Potential Complications

As previously mentioned, the influenza infection generally lasts about a week for the

average, healthy individual without any additional medical intervention. Complications arise that

extend length of infection and required medical intervention when vulnerable populations

become infected. The very young, elderly people, and people will comorbidities such as lung

disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney or heart problems have a significantly higher risk of bad

outcomes when they are infected with influenza (WHO, 2004). When these vulnerable

populations become infected, the incidence of severe complications of their underlying disease