INF2 - A. COLD, FLU AND COVID-COVERED

Question 1

does it matter if you don’t know if it’s cold, flu or COVID?

Answer 1

No, will treat them all the same as we are treating symptoms

Question 2

what are the 3 types of influenza

Answer 2

A, B ,C

Question 3

where should you refer

Answer 3

• symptoms deteriorating/haven’t improved after a week
• looks unwell
• > 65 years old
• long-term medical condition
• immunocompromised (HIV, chemo)
• chest pain
• dyspnoea
• difficulty breathing
• haemoptysis

Question 4

OTC treatment for cold, flu, COVID

Answer 4

• analgesia eg - paracetamol, ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine (decongestant - contraindicated for those with hypertension)
• fluids and rest due to dehydration

Question 5

complications of there flu, cold, COVID

Answer 5

• bronchitis
• otitis media
• sinusitis
• secondary pneumonia

Question 6

what is a endemic

Answer 6

disease that is always present in certain areas eg - malaria

Question 7

what is a epidemic

Answer 7

outbreak of a disease but it is localised
eg - measles in UK, doesn’t spread worldwide

Question 8

what is a pandemic

Answer 8

outbreak of a disease that spreads worldwide
eg - COVID

Question 9

why is there a small pandemic every 20 years

Answer 9

there is antigenic shift, particularly with the flu virus

Question 10

what world-wide surveillance does WHO do for pandemics and the yearly flu

Answer 10

• weekly reporting of cases
• spots influenza A mutations early
• adapts vaccine to most common strains that year (4 most common) but there are 200 or more
• predicts severity so countries can plan response

Question 11

how do neuramidase inhibitors work as antivirals

Answer 11

• disrupt new viruses getting released from infected cells
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) orally for 5/10 days
• Zanamivir (Relenza) inhalation powder or IV for 5/10 days
• both licensed for treatment/prevention of influenza

Question 12

how do nucleotide pro-drugs work as antivirals

Answer 12

• interferes with RNA polymerase and stops the virus from replicating
• remdesivir IV once daily for 3 days (in hospital)
• for covid-19 but only if at highest risk

Question 13

how do interleukin-6 blockers

Answer 13

• monoclonal antibody against IL-6 for covid-19
• reduces inflammation
• tocilizumab IV, single dose in hospital

Question 14

what drug for the flu had problems with clinical trails

Answer 14

tamiflu

Question 15

who is eligible for influenza vaccination

Answer 15

anyone but most have to pay (not high risk)
£10 to get in pharmacy

Question 16

what strains does the influenza vaccine have in them

Answer 16

2 A strains and 2 B strains

Question 17

where are influenza vaccine stored

Answer 17

fridge
individual syringe for each patient

Question 18

who is eligible for booster vaccines

Answer 18

at risk groups

Question 19

where are COVID vaccines stored

Answer 19

freezer (short expiry window after taking out - few hours)
come as vials and have to draw up ind doses of vaccine