Ch. 16

Question 1

Why would it be difficult to develop a vaccine for the common cold?

Answer 1

there are so many viruses that cause the common cold and they mutate so fast

Question 2

what virus causes Covid-19?

Answer 2

• SARS-CoV-2
• ss RNA genome
• encodes 29 proteins - makes mutations faster
• mech of disease: travel via resp droplets, bind ace-2 receptors, 2-14 days after infxn signs may appear, degree of symptoms depends on health

Question 3

croup

Answer 3

• combined inflammation of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, most often caused by viruses;
• also called laryngotracheobronchitis
• characterized by a barking cough and stridor (wheezing).
• signs and symptoms: coughing, stridor, dyspnea (shortness of breath), fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, and fever

Question 4

what is the purpose of mucous in upper respiratory tract?

Answer 4

• lined w/ mucous membranes
• mucous traps microbes
• cilia sweeps mucous out for expulsion
• includes nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, epiglottis
• fxn: warm and filter air entering our body

Question 5

why does otitis media occur often in children?

Answer 5

• children have smaller, shorter, and narrower eustachian tube than adults
• draining into the pharynx is less efficient, even when they are not suffering from a cold
• During a cold, the eustachian tubes can become inflamed, further blocking mucus drainage and setting the stage for a bacterial infection of the middle ear.
• experience ear infxns frequently bc of poor drainage of the eustachian tube

Question 6

what can the recent reemergence of pertussis be attributed to?

Answer 6

• drop in childhood vaccines
• some areas now say that you can only opt out of vaccines, like pertussis, for medical reasons
• Dtap (1st shot) and Tdap (Booster)

Question 7

what are some things that limit respiratory tract infxn?

Answer 7

• get vaccinated if you can, minimize human contact if you’re sick, rest, have good hygiene

Question 8

sinusitis

Answer 8

• sinus membrane inflammation and swelling
• congestion bc mucous gets trapped and can’t exit
• feel a lot of pressure
• trapped mucous can lead to secondary bacterial infxns –> breeding ground for bacteria
• 15-20% of abx in outpatient care
• most common cause: viral infxn

Question 9

RSV signs and symptoms

Answer 9

• Coughing, sneezing, and fever are typical symptoms; wheezing may also occur

Question 10

Who is most affected with RSV?

Answer 10

• serious for the elderly and young children, like infants
• the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children under age 5
• older children and younger adults = resembles a cold

Question 11

Is there a vaccine for RSV?

Answer 11

no, but it is a top priority bc there are a lot of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths each year

Question 12

Is RSV viral or bacterial?

Answer 12

• it is a viral infection
• enveloped, single-stranded RNA genome,