gripa

Gripa, also known as gripe, is a term used in several Spanish-speaking countries to refer to influenza, an acute viral respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses. It typically presents with fever, cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose, headaches, muscle or body aches, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting, especially in children. The onset is usually abrupt.

Gripas are transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and by touching contaminated surfaces and then the mouth, nose, or eyes. Most people recover within a week to ten days, but the illness can be more severe in young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and ear infections; in some cases, hospitalization or death can occur.

Prevention relies on annual vaccination and general hygiene measures. Antiviral medications may be prescribed, particularly for high‑risk groups or to shorten illness if started early. Other measures include regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home when ill.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on symptoms; laboratory tests such as rapid influenza diagnostic tests or PCR can confirm infection, especially in hospitalized patients or during outbreaks. Influenza shows seasonal patterns in temperate regions, with peaks in winter, and vaccination programs and surveillance help inform public health responses and vaccine composition. Gripa is generally more severe than the common cold and can lead to significant illness in vulnerable populations.