Influenza

Question 1

What type of virus is influenza?

Answer 1

RNA virus
Types A, B and C

Question 2

What are the subtypes of influenza A?

Answer 2

H subtype and N subtype
- H is haemagglutinin surface antigen
- N is neuraminidase surface antigen

Question 3

What is H1N1?

Answer 3

Swine flu

Question 4

What is H5N1?

Answer 4

Avian flui

Question 5

When do outbreaks of influenza typically occur?

Answer 5

During winter

Question 6

What groups are at risk?

Answer 6

> 65
Young children
Pregnant women
Chronic health conditions e.g. DM
Health care workers and carers
Morbid obesity
Severe immunosuppression

Question 7

What is the clinical presentation?

Answer 7

Fever
Lethargy
Anorexia
Muscle and joint aches
Headache
Dry cough
Sore throat

Question 8

What is the diagnosis of influenza?

Answer 8

Viral nose and throat swabs- PCR

Question 9

What is the management of influenza?

Answer 9

Fluid intake and rest
If at risk of complications:
- Oral oseltamivir (first line)
- Inhaled zanamivir

Question 10

What are the complications of influenza?

Answer 10

Otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis
Viral pneumonia
Secondary bacteria pneumonia
Heart failure
Encephalitis