Influenza (ch. 14)

Question 1

What is influenza?

Answer 1

an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses

Question 2

Influenza is commonly known as

Answer 2

flu

Question 3

Name the type of influenza virus: (A, B, C)
- more common and more pathogenic (severe)
- wild aquatic birds, pigs and horses are the primary source (Avian flu & Swine flu)

Answer 3

Influenza A

Question 4

Name the type of influenza virus: (A, B, C)
- affects people only
- associated with the mild form of the disease
- more common in pediatric

Answer 4

Influenza B

Question 5

Name the type of influenza virus: (A, B, C)
- Not as commonly seen

Answer 5

Influenza C

Question 6

REVIEW CARD: Antigenic DRIFT: is the ability to dodge annually acquired immunity in humans ( virus mutates itself to avoid yearly flu shot)
Antigenic SHIFT: re-assortment of 2 strains of viruses, resulting in a virulent strain that causes a pandemic EX:(Covid-19)

Answer 6

REVIEW CARD: Antigenic DRIFT: is the ability to dodge annually acquired immunity in humans ( virus mutates itself to avoid yearly flu shot)
Antigenic SHIFT: re-assortment of 2 strains of viruses, resulting in a virulent strain that causes a pandemic EX:(Covid-19)

Question 7

What does incubation period normally look like for influenza?

Answer 7

1-4 days

Question 8

What is RIDT?

Answer 8

RIDT = (rapid influenza diagnostic test)
- rapid readings with a nasal/ throat swab
- most common and completes < 15 min
- detects 40% - 70% of influenza cases

Question 9

What is the gold standard to detect Influenza

Answer 9

Viral cultures
- identifies both the presence of the virus and strains of virus present
- takes 3-10 days of results

Question 10

Name the most sensitive test, which means that is highly accurate and can distinguish between A and B viruses as well as among different strains of influenza A virus

Answer 10

RT-PCR molecular tests

Question 10

REVIEW CARD: Influenza clinical presentation
- abrupt fever
- diarrhea and vomiting
- complications: (viral or bacterial pna, sepsis, pericarditis, myocarditis, and encephalitis)

Answer 10

REVIEW CARD: Influenza management
- Vaccination becomes effective 10-14 days after administration
- 50%-60% effective against flu A
- 60%-70% effective against flu B

Antiviral Agents
- Must be administered within 48 hrs of symptom onset
- Oseltamivir, Zanamavir, Peramivir, Amantadine, and Rimantadine