Influenza

Question 1

Brief description of influenza:

Answer 1

• Viral
• Upper respiratory tract infct
• Short lived (~1-2 weeks)
• Self-limiting

Question 2

How long can the influenza virus be incubating for? How long are they contagious for?

Answer 2

1-4 days, may be contagious for ~1 week

Question 3

What is the patho of influenza?

Answer 3

• Damage to epithelial cells by viral injury or inflm damage
• May have bronchial and alveolar damage if extends to the lower respiratory tract

Question 4

What are complications of influenza?

3

Answer 4

• Secondary bacterial infct (usually in the lungs)
• Bronchitis or pneumonia
• Opportunistic infcts (defenses are compromised

Question 5

Who is at the highest risk for developing complications from influenza?

Answer 5

Elderly and people with chronic conditions

Question 6

Mnfts of influenza:

4-ish

Answer 6

• Lethargy
• Myalgia
• Cough
• Headache
• Etc.

Question 7

What are some ways to limit the spread of influenza?

Answer 7

• Bed rest
• Isolation from others
• Hand hygiene
• Immunization (types A and B)

Question 8

Antivirals are not typically used for influenza, why is this? if antivirals are indicated, which one(s) would you use?

Answer 8

• Influenza is usually self-limiting

- Amantadine or Relenza

Question 9

How does amatadine work against viruses? What types of influenza does it work against?

Answer 9

• 1st generation drug
• Inhibits the “uncoating” of the viral RNA
• Effective against types A + B

Question 10

How does relenza work against viruses? What types of influenza does it work against?

Answer 10

• 2nd generation
• Targets viral replication + the release of the virus from its’ host cell
• Effective against A + B