Navian Flu

Influenza Naviania

Influenza Naviania, known simply as Navian Flu, is a variant of the Influenza virus that originates from the Planes of Navia and was brought to the Material Plane of A'arde by the first Navian refugees. It is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the respiratory system, but has additional symptoms not typically present in other variants of flu. While originally thought to only infect Navians, it has been proven to be transmissible to Humans, Elves, Dhaoinesìth, Bantamfolk, Ginnaya, and Orcs, as well as mixed heritages of these types. Dwarves, Gnomes, Goliaths, and most Electus (regardless of origin) are immune, as are races with Draconic, Animalian, or Construct origins.

Symptoms for Navian Flu begin one to four days after exposure to the virus and can last for up to ten days, though the young, elderly and infirm may suffer for longer. While Navian Flu is typically self-limiting and rarely fatal, its course can be sped up with the use of supportive potions or medicines, and it has proven to be deadly in high risk groups, such as the old, very young, or infirm. Unlike regular influenza, which is most common during colder, damp, winter months, Navian Flu is more likely to occur during the Summer, seemingly preferring hotter conditions.

Navian Flu is considered a Common condition, particularly through the tropics where it is warm for most of the year.

Transmission & Vectors

Infected individuals can transmit Navian Flu through breathing, coughing, talking, and sneezing, which spreads virus particles into the air. Coming into contact with these particles allows for the infection to be contracted. The disease can also be contracted through touching an infected person, the exchange of bodily fluids, or by simply touching something that an infected person has been in contact with. The virus can survive for several hours on non-porous surfaces, and can spread rapidly. Children are most likely to spread infections.

The disease is infectious immediately upon contracting it, and remains transmissible for up to five days. In the young and immunocompromised, it may remain transmissible for significantly longer.

As well as Mortals, Navian Flu can be carried by certain types of Beasts, spreading it by contact with surfaces or direct contact with a Mortal.

Causes

Navian Flu is caused by a variant of the flu virus, with outbreaks typically helped along by poor hygeine, overcrowding, and high temperatures.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Navian Flu are incredibly similar to regular flu, including fever, headaches, chills, muscle pain, malaise, loss of appetite, lack of energy, confusion, a cough, sore or dry throat, hoarse voice, and a stuffy or runny nose. Coughing and a runny nose are the most common symptoms, and symptoms can vary from person to person, with some experiencing none of these symptoms at all.

However, all carriers display erythema (skin redness) and fluid-filled blistering about the nose and mouth, which is typically not common with other types of flu. These symptoms in isolation are sometimes confused with other conditions, such as cold sores and allergic reactions, so carriers of the virus do not realise that they have actually contracted Navian Flu until other symptoms arise, if at all.

Treatment

Navian Flu is generally self-limiting and requires little to no intervention. Common advice is to provide adequate fluids to avoid dehydration and to allow the sufferer plenty of rest. Anti-fever medications and potions can be offered as a supportive measure, while cough potions can be beneficial to ease the discomfort of a sore throat. It is recommended that alcohol, tobacco, and other inhaled drugs are avoided while ill.

In severe cases, stronger medicines or potions, or even magical intervention, may be required. Those with compromised immune systems are recommended to be regularly visited by a specialist in Practical Medicine or Cleric, where available.

Prognosis

In healthy individuals, Navian Flu is typically self-limiting and rarely fatal, with symptoms generally lasting no longer than ten days. Complications and mortality primarily occur in higher-risk groups, where pneumonia or a secondary infection are more likely to occur.

Sequela

Fatigue and malaise can last for several weeks after recovery, while secondary infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or middle ear infections may occur in higher risk groups. The facial reddening and blistering can take up to a week to resolve once the illness has run its course, and many sufferers report lingering complications of itchy or tender skin more prone to acne upon the face for around a month after recovery.

Affected Groups

Navians, Humans, Elves, Dhaoinesìth, Bantamfolk, Ginnaya, and Orcs, as well as mixed heritages of these types are prone to contracting Navian Flu. It is more prominent amongst those with compromised immune systems, as well as the young, elderly, and those that work in care settings, such as medical centres and support homes.

While Dwarves, Gnomes, Goliaths, and most Electus (regardless of origin) are immune, as are races with Draconic, Animalian, or Construct origins, individuals with a mixed heritage of these types and an affected type may experience mild symptoms, but rarely anything severe.

Hosts & Carriers

All Mortals can carry the illness, though only the affected groups listed will suffer from it. The virus can also remain alive upon infected, non-porous surfaces for several hours. It is believed that Fiends can be carriers of the disease, though they do not present symptoms themselves.

Navian Flu can also be carried by certain Beasts, particularly dogs and cats, though these animals do not show symptoms of the illness themselves.

Prevention

Navian Flu can be reasonably prevented with good hygiene practices and self-isolation by symptomatic individuals. It can also be prevented by utilising amulets, tokens, or potions against disease, though access to these can be costly.

Contents

Type

Viral

Origin

Mutated

Rarity

Common