C - Influenza

Question 1

Whats influenza & the types of virus that can cause it?

Answer 1

Influenza/flu: highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the 3 influenza virus types A, B, and C.

Question 2

How is influenza contracted and transmitted? (4)

Answer 2

1. influenza virus invades the respiratory tract and uses it to spread the infection
2. transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets or, in some instances, aerosolized particles that are expelled from the respiratory tract of an infected individual.
3. These droplets can be propelled into the air when talking, coughing, or sneezing, and can then land in the eyes, nose, or mouths of people nearby, or get inhaled into the lungs.
4. virus can transmitted indirectly when an individual touches a contaminated surface and before washing their hands, they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Question 3

Pathology and complications of influenza? (6)

Answer 3

1. After a person contracts the influenza virus: typically multiply and spread throughout the cells lining the upper respiratory tract.
2. immune system causes an inflammatory response: visible tracheobronchial redness, swelling, mucous discharge
   - these cells produce more mucus that can trap and expel these pathogens.
3. the disease can become more severe and spread to nearby areas -> sinus or ear infection
4. If the virus manages to invade the lower respiratory tract, clients can develop pneumonia = fluid or pus build up in the lungs
5. disease may weaken the immune system, making the individual more susceptible to contracting a secondary bacterial infection.
6. Clients at higher risk of developing complications: children < 5 years of age, and adults > 65, pregnant or have a chronic heart or lung disease.

Question 3

Symptoms of influenza?

Answer 3

• present ~4 days after exposure and last about a week.

Common symptoms:
- headaches, fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches
- runny nose with watery CLEAR nasal discharge, sore throat, and cough.
- breath sounds are typically normal.

influenza B can also lead to: gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea - 3 loose stools in 2 hours

Most of these symptoms get better in a week, but the cough often persists for up to two weeks, and clients with comorbid conditions or over 65 may have continuing lethargy or weakness for weeks after the flu.

Question 4

How to diagnose influenza? (2)

Answer 4

1. client’s history, physical assessment, and knowing there’s an influenza outbreak in the community around the time of symptom onset.
2. diagnostic tests to detect presence of influenza in a client’s respiratory secretions:
   - rapid molecular assay,
   - RIDTs/rapid influenza diagnostic tests
   rapid results -> most used but cannot differentiate betw influenza A and B

• RT-PCR and rapid molecular assays are more accurate, can differentiate between influenza A and B BUT take 48-72 hrs

Question 5

Treatment of influenza? (3)

Answer 5

NO CURE!!!

1. supportive care to reduce the symptoms = rest and hydration
2. medications:
   - analgesics, antipyretics (eg: acetaminophen), and antihistamines.
   - antiviral medications like zanamivir, oseltamivir, and peramivir -> can help prevent release of virus from infected cells

• Antivirals should be started as soon as possible for clients who are at high risk of developing complications + those with severe or complicated disease, and for hospitalized clients.

3. most effective way to prevent influenza is through vaccination.

• dont give heating blanket to pts with influenza -> can cause hyperthermia