Influenza

Question 1

What is influenza

Answer 1

AKA flu, a highly contagious single stranded RNA virus affecting the respiratory tract

Question 2

What are the pathogenic serotypes of influenza

Answer 2

Influenza A - in humans, birds, pigs. Can cause pandemics Most common cause of seasonal flu. Multiple sub-types

Influenza B - Only found in humans. Epidemics only. 1 subtype.

Influenza C - humans, dogs and pigs

Influenza D - only in cattle.

Question 3

Risk factors for severe influenza include

Answer 3

Hyposplenism
Chronic resp/CV/renal/liver/neuro disease
Diabetes mellitus
Immunosuppression
Morbid obesity
Pregnancy

Question 4

What is the incubation period for influenza?

How long can patient remain infectious for?

Answer 4

1-4 days.

7-21 days.

Question 5

Signs and symptoms for influenza?

Answer 5

Fever equal to or above 37.8
Non productive cough
Myalgia
Headache
Malaise
Sore throat
Rhinitis

Question 6

Diagnosis of influenza?

Answer 6

Usually clinical
If severe symptoms or complications, do PCR test to not delay treatment

Question 7

Management of acutely unwell influenza patient?

Answer 7

A-E
Sepsis 6
Supportive - analgesia, antipyretic, O2, fluids
Antivirals - oseltamivir/zanamivir IF WITHIN 48H OF SYMPTOM ONSET AND AT RISK OF COMPLICATIONS
Resp isolation to prevent transmission

Question 8

Complications of influenza?

Answer 8

Viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia

Myocarditis, heart failure

Encephalopathy

Anorexia, vomiting

Question 9

Which bacterial pneumonia can influenza cause?

Answer 9

Staph aureus

Question 10

What type of vaccine is influenza?

Answer 10

Inactivated