Influenza is caused by an RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family (which includes the influenza genera A, B and C). Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics nearly every winter in the United States. Type B influenza infects only humans, so it cannot mutate. Pandemics are caused exclusively by strains of influenza A. The emergence of a new and completely different influenza virus that infects people will cause an influenza pandemic. Influenza type C infections cause mild respiratory illness and are not thought to cause epidemics (Duncan, 2013). The influenza virus is transmitted from human to human primarily via droplets, although there are cases of animal-to-human transmission. The duration of incubation is approximately 3 days, although nasal discharge may peak approximately 24-48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Viral shedding begins at 24-hour intervals before the onset of symptoms and continues for up to five days in healthy adults and for a number of weeks in immunocompromised patients (Duncan, 2013). It has been shown that both influenza A and influenza B viruses can survive for 24-48 hours on non-porous surfaces such as chromed steel. They can survive for 8-12 hours on products such as handkerchiefs. Prevention should focus on: washing your hands, avoiding touching your eyes and different mucous membranes, cleaning commonly used surfaces and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (Duncan, 2013). The best known groups at risk are: the elderly (over 65 years), pregnant women, patients with chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver and neurological diseases and diabetics. Common symptoms of flu are: fever or feeling feverish/chills, temperature 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, cough, pain in… middle of paper… I would receive an antiviral immediate treatment waiting for test results (Unknown, 2013). Influenza can be introduced and spread into an extended care facility by newly admitted residents, healthcare workers, and visitors. Residents of long-term care facilities can contract serious and fatal illnesses during flu epidemics. Prevention of transmission of influenza viruses and various infectious agents within healthcare settings requires a comprehensive approach that includes: vaccination, testing, infection management and antiviral treatment (Unknown, 2013). Management of patients in high-risk groups requires early diagnosis and treatment. with antivirals. The best line of treatment is prevention of the disease through vaccination and education. Annual influenza vaccination is the first step in preventing influenza and its complications (unknown, 2013).