Flu Flashcards
Which viruses cause the “classical” flu?
Influenza A and B
Name another virus that can cause a flu-like illness
Parainfluenza virus
Name a bacterium that can be a secondary invader in flu, but not a primary cause of it.
Haemophilus influenzae
At which time of the year are flu epidemics usually seen?
Winter
Which virus causes all flu pandemics?
Influenza A
Describe 2 ways in which flu is confirmed in the lab.
- PCR: direct detection of the virus
nasopharyngeal swabs/throat swabs - Antibody detection: may need paired acute and convalescent bloods.
Which viruses does the killed flu vaccine currently contain?
2 influenza A viruses and 1 influenza B virus
Who is the killed flu vaccine given annually to?
Adult patients at risk of complications
Healthcare workers
a) Who is the live attenuated vaccine directed at?
b) How is it delivered?
a) Children
b) Intra-nasally
Describe symptomatic therapy for flu.
Bed rest
Fluids
Paracetamol
a) Name 2 anti-virals (and their commercial names) and their route of administration.
b) What is the name for this type of drug?
a) Oseltamivir (tamiflu): orally
Zanamivir (Relenza): Inhaled as a powder
b) Neuraminidase inhibitors
When are anti-virals used?
Only in early disease and in patients are risk of complications.
Can also be used prophylactically in the containment phase of the first wave of a pandemic.
For the 2 complications of flu, describe a) who gets them and b) when they are mostly seen.
Primary influenzal/viral pneumonia
a) Young people
b) Mostly seen during pandemics
Secondary bacterial pneumonia
a) More common in elderly and debilitated
b) Cause of mortality in all epidemics
How does flu present?
Fever: abrupt onset, up to 40 degrees Malaise Myalgia Headache Cough: initially dry and painful, becomes productive and painless Prostration
Describe the transmission and mortality of avian flu
Flu transmitted from birds to humans.
Little human to human transmission.
High mortality
