Influenza

Question 1

What is influenza?

Answer 1

A virus that results in respiratory symptoms

Question 2

Epidemiology of influenza?

Answer 2

• Outbreaks during winter
• Can affect anyone

Question 3

Pathophysiology of influenza?

Answer 3

RNA viruses with subtypes A, B and C

Question 4

Presentation of influenza?

Answer 4

• Fever
• Lethargy and fatigue
• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Muscle and joint aches
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Coryzal symptoms

Question 5

Comparison of presentation of common cold vs flu?

Answer 5

• Flu = abrupt onset (unlike common cold)
• Flu = fever typical (unlike common cold)
• Flu = often ‘wiped out’ (unlike common cold)

Question 6

Investigation of influenza?

Answer 6

Swabs to detect viral antigens
carry out PCR to keep track of cases

Question 7

Who is eligible for NHS flu vaccines and what kind of vaccines do they get?

Answer 7

> 65 yrs
Pregnant people
Chronic health conditions
Healthcare workers

(All inactivated IM vaccine)

Young children - INTRANASAL LIVE VACCINE

Question 8

Management of influenza?

Answer 8

Healthy pts = rest and fluids

Complicated pts:

Neuraminidase inhibitors.
- Oral oseltamivir (twice daily for 5 days)
- Inhaledzanamivir(twice daily for 5 days)

Within 48 hrs of symptoms

Question 9

Complications of influenza?

Answer 9

Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Worsening of chronic health condition
Resp distress
Death