INFLUENZA

Question 1

What kind of pathogen is influenza?

Answer 1

Virus

Question 2

What are the two strains of influenza?

Answer 2

A&B
-A is more pathogenic

Question 3

How can influenza be transmitted/spread?

Answer 3

Airborne secretions, highly contagious

Question 4

What is the pathogenesis of influenza?

Answer 4

Hemagglutinin: protein that allows cellular infections

Neuraminidase: enzyme which permits spreading of infection

Encapsulated single-stranded RNA viruses

Question 5

How is an influenza infection presented?

Answer 5

Abrupt onset of headache, fever, chills, myalgia, pharyngitis (severe & lasts 3-5 days), cough, fatigue

Complications in high risk groups: secondary bacterial pneumonia, myocarditis, pericarditis

Myositis: RARE, could develop rhabdo (damage of muscle tissue) with elevated creatine kinase levels

Question 6

How is influenza diagnosed?

Answer 6

-Nasal swab
-Rapid antigen testing
-PCR
-Clinical diagnosis
-Mild low WBC on CBC possible

Question 7

How can influenza be treated?

Answer 7

-Prevention: Vaccine, hand washing, masks
-Supportive care

For high risk patients:
-meds within 72 hours: Tamiflu, Oseltamivir, Zanamavir, Premavir (IV)

-Prophylactic (preventitive) treatment in high risk patients with exposure