The Influenza Vaccine

Question 1

What’s influenza?

Answer 1

A highly infectious respiratory infection,cause by viruses type A,B,C

Question 2

Type A?

Answer 2

More severe and frequent outbreaks

Question 3

Type B?

Answer 3

Milder but can cause outbreaks

Question 4

Type C

Answer 4

Mild or asymptomatic

Question 5

How is it transmitted?

Answer 5

Spreads through droplets, aerosols or direct contact with respiratory secretions.

The incubation period is usually 1-3 days

Question 6

What are symptoms of flu?(sudden onset and complications)

Answer 6

Sudden onset symptoms:
Common: Chills,fever,headaches,extreme fatigue,muscle pain , dry coughs,sore throat,nasal congestion

Complications: Bronchitis, bacterial pneumonia, ear infections in children. No respiratory is quite rare and may include cardiac and neurological issues

Question 7

Groups at risk of influenza?

Answer 7

-children under 6 months
- pregnant women - including postpartum
- elderly 65y/o and over
- patients with chronic disease (respiratory,cardiac and diabetes)
-severely immunosuppressed individuals

Question 8

Antiviral drugs used to treat influenza?

Answer 8

Aim - reduce illness duration and severity
- prevent complications
- control infection spread

Antiviral drugs:
- Oseltamivir(tamiflu) and zanamivir for the treatment and prevention
- Oseltamivir resistance may occur, particularly in certain strains

Question 9

Treatment guidelines foe uncomplicated influenza

Answer 9

• usually managed at home
• antivirals (oseltamivir) for at risk groups or severe cases

Question 10

Complicated influenza treatment guidelines

Answer 10

-treated in hospital
- Oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir for severely immunosuppressed patients

Question 11

Post exposure prophylaxis

Answer 11

• for those exposed in household,care homes or other vulnerable settings
• Oseltamivir for most, Zanamivir if oseltamivir resistance is suspected