IC15 URTI Flashcards
Describe the pathophysiology of URTI (how it is transmitted)
- airborne transmission (droplets/aerosols containing the virus expelled when a infected person talks/cough/sneeze)
- formites (touch contaminated surface –> touch face)
- sharing food with an infected person without a sharing spoon
pathogens are inhaled into respiratory tract via the 3 mechanisms above –> invade upper airway mucosa
Describe our innate immunity that protects us against URTI
- nostril hair
- mucus
- angle between pharynx and nose
- mucociliary clearance
- adenoids and tonsils that contain immunological cells that attack pathogens
What are the risk factors for URTI?
- close contact with children (day cares, schools)
- lack of personal/hand hygiene
- smoking
- chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD)
- immunocompromised
- anatomical anomalies
How can we prevent URTIs?
- practice personal and hand hygiene
- wear mask
- stay away from sick contact and crowds
- keep up to date w vaccinations
- manage known risk factors eg. smoking cessation, control asthma/COPD
What vaccinations should we keep up to date with to prevent URTI?
- influenza
- pneumococcal
- Haemophilus influenzae
Describe the management of URTI (What to do, when to initiate abx, how to prevent recurrence)
- symptomatic relief
- use antibiotics only if it is a bacterial infection (ie. cannot use for common cold & influenza & viral infections)
- prevent future recurrence by managing/reducing risk factors
What are some options for symptomatic relief of URTI for
- pain
- nasal congestion
- rhinorrhea
- sore throat
- cough
pain: paracetamol, NSAIDS
nasal congestion: nasal decongestant, saline nasal irrigation
rhinorrhea: antihistamines (first gen H1)
sore throat: lozenges, warm water/tea, honey
cough: mucolytics & expectorant (productive), cough suppressants (non-productive)
What are the common URTIs?
- common cold
- flu
- covid-19
- pharyngitis
- sinusitis
Describe the clinical presentation of a common cold (subjective factors)
- low grade fever (>37 deg C)
- runny nose
- blocked nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- productive cough
- some headache
- body ache
Describe the objective factors that support the diagnosis of a common cold
- lack of high fever >38 deg C
- normal HR
- lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally
Is the common cold viral or bacterial?
viral
What are the possible pathogens that cause the common cold?
- rhinovirus
- coronavirus
Describe the selection of antibiotics for the common cold
viral in nature = DON’T treat with abx
Describe the monitoring of response for common cold
- will start to feel better within 3-4 days, most ppl recover in 7-10 days, but symptoms may linger for a few wks eg. cough may last 2-3 weeks
- normal for nasal discharge to change color (even if purulent, doesn’t necessarily mean its bacterial; just indicates presence of inflammation as our body is fighting off the pathogen)
- if symptoms do not improve after 10 days/worsens, see a Dr
Describe the clinical presentation of the flu
- fever >38 deg C
- chills
- headache
- malaise
- myalgia
- anorexia
- dry/non-productive cough
- sore throat
- nasal discharge
- confusion in elderly
What are the possible complications of the flu?
- primary viral pneumonia
- secondary bacterial pneumonia (Staph aureus, Strep pneumoniae, H Influenzae)
- exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease
- myocarditis
Who are at a high risk of complications from influenza?
- children <5
- elderly ≥65
- pregnant women / 2 week post partum
- residents of nursing homes/long term care facilities
- obese (BMI ≥40)
- chronic medical conditions/comorbidities
Are the following symptoms more associated with the common cold or flu?
1. abrupt symptom onset
2. fever
3. sneezing
4. runny nose
5. sore throat
6. headache
- flu
- flu
- cold
- cold
- cold
- flu
What is the difference between flu and COVID-19?
COVID-19 is more severe as
- more contagious (contagious even if asymptomatic)
- causes more severe disease in vulnerable pop
What are the likely pathogens associated with the flu?
Human influenza A and B
Which of the influenza types is more likely to cause pandemics?
Influenza A
What is the nomenclature for influenza A subtypes?
H and N
[H] Hemagglutinin
[N] Neuraminidase
What are their functions?
[H] viral entry
[N] release of viral progenitor cells
What is the classification of influenza B viruses?
B/Yamagata
B/Victoria
What are the peak influenza periods in SG?
- middle of the year
- end & beginning of the year
In what situations would antivirals be required for influenza?
for high risk patients that meet any one of the criteria:
- hospitalized
- high risk for complications
- severe, complicated, progressive illness
When can we initiate antivirals for influenza?
ASAP
- best within 2 days (for outpatient)
- within 5 days for high risk patients
What is the antiviral used for influenza?
Tamiflu - Oseltamivir