Influenza

Question 1

Types

Answer 1

Influenza A: occurs most frequent cause of illness & death in older adults

Influenza B: less severe but can still cause serious problems

acquired via droplets

Question 2

S&S

Answer 2

fever

myalgia (muscle ache)

sore throat

non productive cough

Question 3

Effects

Answer 3

destroys ciliated epithelial cells of the rest tract & depresses mucus clearance

Question 4

Age-related risk factors

Answer 4

impaired immune response to the virus

Question 5

Risk factors

Answer 5

chronic resp (eg; COPD), cardiac or metabolic diseases

Question 6

Influenza vaccination

Answer 6

Approx 2 weeks is needed for an antibody response to the vaccine

administration during Oct is recommended

immunity gradually declines so annual revaccination is needed

contraindicated in persons with febrile conditions, egg allergy & Hx of Guillain-Barre syndrome

Question 7

Guillain-Barre syndrome

Answer 7

a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms.

Question 8

Flu vs Cold

Answer 8

Flu S&S:

• Prominent head ache
• Sudden onset of temp 38.8-40 degrees celsius
• SEVERE aches & pains
• extreme fatigue & weakness (lasts 2-3 weeks)
• SEVERE cough
• chest discomfort

Cold S&S:

• rare headache
• NORMAL TEMP
• SLIGHT aches & pains
• sneezing
• runny nose
• sore throat
• Mild to a moderate hacking cough

Question 9

Flu season

Answer 9

Nov-Mar

Question 10

Prevention

Answer 10

• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Flu Vx (vaccine)