Influenza

Question 1

what is influenza?

Answer 1

acute upper respiratory tract infection (viral) - always a viral infection

Question 2

Influenza is always a ____ infection

Answer 2

viral

Question 3

what are the types of influenza

Answer 3

-types A, B & C (completely different form Hep virus)

Question 4

what is the most serious and prevalent type of influenza

Answer 4

Type A

Question 5

patho of influenza

Answer 5

• viral injury to epithelial cells & inflammatory damage (same viral damage as hepatitis but different host cell, epithelial of URT)
• bronchial & alveolar damage if extension to lower respiratory tract (potentially a complication if pt doesn’t rest)

Question 6

Complications of Influenza

Answer 6

• secondary bacterial infection (either from normal flora or inhaled)
• bronchitis or pneumonia

Question 7

when might antibiotics be given for the flu?

Answer 7

may give for flu for high risk individuals that may develop a secondary bacterial infection -the antibiotic is given prophalacticly

Question 8

mnfts of influenza

Answer 8

• lethargy, myalgia (systemic) & fever
• cough (local mnfts)
• others

Question 9

treatment of influenza

Answer 9

• essentially self limiting approx a week or so to recover)
• usually self-limiting need to rest
• symptomatic management (not essential)
• limit spread
• sometimes need for antivirals may arise: eg. anantadine (prevents RNA from uncoating) Relezna (2nd generationg drug-prevents lysis of host cell also limits multiplication of virus)
• immunization (prophylaxis)

Question 10

what are the some antivirals that you may see given for the flu?

Answer 10

anantadine (prevents RNA from uncoating)

Relezna (2nd generationg drug-prevents lysis of host cell also limits multiplication of virus)