Influenza

Question 1

Subtypes of Influenza

Answer 1

• A/B/C/D
• Only A & B commonly cause illness in humans.

Question 2

Pre disposing factors of Influenza

Answer 2

Viral circulation varies geographically. Risk of exposure during travel depends on the time of year & destination.

Question 3

How is influenza transmitted

Answer 3

Influenza viruses spread from person to person, primarily through respiratory droplet transmission.

Question 4

Incubation period of Influenza

Answer 4

24 – 96 hours

Question 5

Influenza is lethal to what age groups

Answer 5

• People ≥65 years
• Children <2 years
• People with underlying medical conditions

Question 6

When is flu season

Answer 6

Fall and winter months

Question 7

When is influenza infectious

Answer 7

• Infectious from 1 day prior to symptom onset to ~ 5–7 days after symptom onset.
• Infectiousness is highest within 3 days of onset & correlated with fever.
• Children & immunocompromised/severely ill may shed virus
  for >10 days after the onset of symptoms.

Question 8

Presentation:
- Fever/chills (> 100.8 F), myalgias, headache, malaise,
occasional nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Nonproductive cough, sore throat, rhinitis, substernal soreness, nasal congestion.
- Predominantly localized to the respiratory tract; include nasal discharge, pharyngeal inflammation without exudates, and occasionally rales on chest auscultation.

Answer 8

Influenza

Question 9

What is the most common presentation of influenza

Answer 9

Uncomplicated influenza

Question 10

Labs for influenza

Answer 10

• Rapid Flu
• CBC: normal or low early in infection
• UA: may be positive for protein

Question 11

During flu season, is a rapid influenza test necessary for a patient who is symptomatic?

Answer 11

Nope

Question 12

Treatment of Influenza

Answer 12

• Influenza typically resolves within 1-7 days with an excellent prognosis in previously healthy adults,
• Bed rest, oral hydration, analgesics /antipyretics, and antitussives.
• Attempt to isolate the patient to the best of your ability while underway.
• While in-port, the patient should remain at home until symptoms improve.
• Influenza may put patient at risk for bacterial infection.

Question 13

Antiviral treatment of Influenza

Answer 13

• Oseltamivir 75mg PO BID x 5 days
• Antiviral treatment can be considered for any previously healthy patient with confirmed or suspected influenza within 48hrs of symptom onset.
• Administer as soon as possible to patient at high risk of complications even if > 48hrs has elapse.