Influenza Flashcards
What are the antigenic changes of influenza A?
- antigenic drift (minor changes in the viral surface antigens, point mutations in the gene segment, may result in an epidemic)
- antigenic shift (major change in one or both surface antigens, due to exchange of gene materials between influenza viruses, may result in worldwide pandemic)
What is the timeline of symptom onset and viral shedding of influenza?
- incubation period is typically 1-4 days (2 day average)
- viral shedding may occur 12-24 hours before onset of symptoms
- viral shedding peaks at day 2-3
- viral shedding may persist for 5-7 days
What is the clinical presentation of Influenza?
- fever
- dry cough
- sore throat
- rhinorrhea
- nasal congestion
- headache
- myalgias
- fatigue
- vomiting and diarrhea
What patient population is at high risk for severe disease from an influenza infection?
- children aged 6-59 months (highest risk <2 years old)
- adults 50+ years old
- patients with chronic medical conditions
What complications may occur due to an influenza infection?
- bacterial pneumonia
- sinus infections
- acute otitis media
What patients should recieve antiviral treatment for influenza?
- hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected influenza
- outpatients with confirmed or suspected influenza with severe, complicated, or progressive illness
- pt with higher risk of complications
- children < 2 years old and adults 65+ years old
- pregnant women and those within 2 weeks postpartum
What is the spectrum of action of neuraminidase inhibitors?
influenza A and B
What is the duration of therapy for Zanamirvir?
5 days
What is the duration of therapy of Oseltamivir?
5 days
What is the duration of therapy of Permivir?
1 dose
What is the dosing of Zanamivir?
2 inhalations BID
What are the adverse effects of Zanamivir?
headache, cough, throat discomfort, bronchospasms, sinusitis, dizziness, skin reactions, rare nervous system effects
What is the mechanism of action of neuraminidase inhibitors?
inhibition of neuraminidase enzyme -> preventing the budding of new virus
What drugs are neuraminidase inhibitors?
- zanamivir
- oseltamivir
- peramivir
What is the dosing of Oseltamivir?
one tablet PO BID