Flu / Rona

Question 1

What is influenza, and why can it be concerning?

Answer 1

• the flu is an acute viral respiratory infection

- can lead to secondary infections and complications : PNA, death

Question 2

Describe the sx onset for the flu

Answer 2

rapid

Question 3

What is the best way to prevent the flu, especially death as a result from flu complications?

Answer 3

THE VACCINE

Question 4

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Are there circumstances when you should not get the vaccine?

Answer 4

• everyone over the age of 6 mo should get the vaccine
• you should not get the vaccine if you are sick, are allergic to it, or have had Guillain barre syndrome from a previous flu vaccine

Question 5

Who is recommended to get the high dose flu vaccine?

Answer 5

ppl over the age of 65 yo

Question 6

What interventions can be done for someone who has the flu?

Answer 6

• supportive therapy
• rest
• hydration
• saline gargles
• antihistamines
• antivirals

Question 7

When should antivirals be used in regards to the flu?

Answer 7

• w/I 24-48 hrs of sx onset

- can be taken for prevention with a know exposure

Question 8

When does a person who has the flu become contagious?

Answer 8

24 hrs before sx onset

Question 9

How long should you stay home if you are diagnosed with the flu?
adults?
kids?

Answer 9

• adults : generally contagious for 5-7 days after sx onset –> stay home until fever free for 24 hrs
• kids : contagious longer –> stay home for at least 7 days regardless if fever free

Question 10

Why do pandemic viruses often come from a mutated animal virus?

Answer 10

humans have no immunity to animal viruses

Question 11

What 2 things are equally prioritized during a pandemic?

Answer 11

• care of pt

- preventing spread

Question 12

The rona is thought to have a “low” death rate, why is it still a major concern?

Answer 12

a large number of pts are left with serious disabilities that majority impact their life (ie ARDS –> pulp fibrosis –> need 5-6 L of O2)

Question 13

When do sx of the rona occur? 
What sx(s) are rona specific?

Answer 13

• sx occur 2-14 days after exposure

- loss of taste and smell

Question 14

What are some of the complications that can occur with the rona? (9)

Answer 14

• acute resp failure
• PNA
• ARDS
• blood clots
• acute organ damage
• sepsis
• disseminated intravascular coagulation
• multi-system inflammatory response
• long rona (post acute sequelae)

Question 15

What is the best way to prevent the rona, and to help keep people from dying?

Answer 15

GET THE MOTHER FREAKING VACCINE

Question 16

Who should get the rona vaccine?

Answer 16

everyone 5 yo and older

Question 17

What interventions can be done for the rona?

What is different than what is done for the flu?

Answer 17

• supportive : just like every other virus….

- monoclonal antibodies

Question 18

What type of precautions are used with the flu?

What about the rona?

Answer 18

• flu : droplet

- rona : airborne

Question 19

Why might a high flow nasal cannula with a flow generator be beneficial for someone who is having trouble breathing (think ventilation)

Answer 19

• has a higher FiO2 and some positive pressure to help push air into the lungs and lower the work of breathing