Influenza Flashcards
What are the four types of influenza?
Influenza A - capable of causing pandemics and epidemics
Influenza B - capable of epidemics
Influenza C
Influenza D - only found in cattle
What are the risk factors for severe influenza infection?
Hyposplenism
Chronic disease
Diabetes mellitus
Immunosuppression
Obesity
Pregnancy
What is the incubation period of influenza?
1-4 days
How long do patients with influenza remain infectious?
7-21 days
What is the presentation of influenza?
Fever > 37.8
Nonproductive cough
Myalgia
Headache
Malaise
Sore throat
Rhinitis
What are the differentials of influenza?
Sepsis
Meningitis
Common cold
LRTI
Infectious mononucleosis
What investigation can be used to diagnose influenza?
Viral PCR - should not delay treatment
What antiviral treatment can be used for influenza?
Oseltamivir
Zanamivir
When can antivirals be used for treatment of influenza?
Within 48 hours of symptom onset
Patient is at risk of complications
What are the complications of influenza?
Viral pneumonia
Secondary bacterial pneumonia (s. aureus)
Myocarditis
Heart failure
Encephalopathy
