Roundup

Question 1

what are the characteristics of influenza

Answer 1

1. highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract
2. passed through aerosol droplets and direct contact of respiratory secretions
3. fever, chills, headache, cough, myalgia
4. normal recovery takes less than 14 days with bed rest
5. seasonal peak in winter, commonly from influenza A and B strains

Question 2

describe the prevalence of influenza

Answer 2

• prevalence of strains varies each year due to antigenic drift
• can result in emergence of completely new subtype and outbreak
• antigenic shift more likely with strain A, especially H1N1

Question 3

outline the higher risk groups

Answer 3

1. children under 6
2. adults over 65 years
3. pregnant women
4. chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions
5. immunosuppressed
6. chronic neurological conditions
7. BMI>40

Question 4

What are the associated problems with influenza

Answer 4

1. mortality
2. complications can include
   - secondary bacterial pneumonia
   - meningitis
   - encephalitis/seizures
   - in pregnancy: perinatal mortality, prematurity, low birth weight

Question 5

what are flu vaccines used for and what are they available as

Answer 5

1. protect against A and B strains, with subtypes from previous season
2. reviewed annually by WHO and JCVI
3. available as inactive injection and attenuated nasal spray formulation
4. manufacturer issues- annual changes, tight deadlines, wastage vs shortage

Question 6

why are flu vaccines offered in pharmacies

Answer 6

1. convenient- long opening hours, local, highly accessible
2. private services available in many pharmacies
3. promotes the clinical abilities of pharmacists and supports burdened GP services

Question 7

who is eligible to have a free flu vaccination on the NHS

Answer 7

1. chronic conditions- asthma, COPD, heart failure, liver disease, diabetes, immunosuppressed
2. pregnant women
3. front line health and social care workers
4. residential care residents
5. infants 6 months-2 years, with any of the chronic conditions
6. children 2-11 and some secondary school children
7. over 50s

Question 8

describe the flu vaccine uptake

Answer 8

generally below desired level for key groups who need it but increased in many groups

Question 9

what formulation are children being vaccinated against the flu given

Answer 9

1. given a nasal spray formulation, not injection
2. contains 4 strains
3. less risk of pain, distress, injection site reactions
4. can cause runny nose, headache, lethargy, fever
5. carries the same rare risk of anaphylaxis as injection