Influenza

Question 1

Which groups are at higher risk from influenza?

Answer 1

• children < 2
• adults> 65
• pregnant women
• people with chronic medical conditions

Question 2

How is influenza transmitted?

Answer 2

via respiratory droplets and potentially contaminated fomites

Question 3

What is the infectious period for influenza?

Answer 3

5 days including 1-2 days during 1-4 day incubation period. Viral shedding occurs for up to 10 days in the immunocompromised

Question 4

What are some potential complications of influenza?

Answer 4

Pneumonia (can be viral or secondary bacterial from strep pneumoniae, staph aureus, haemophilus influenzae), encephalitis, transverse myelitis, pericarditis, rhabdomyolysis

Question 5

Within what period should antiviral agents be given?

Answer 5

Within 36 hours of onset and continued for 5 days