Influenza

Question 1

How many types of infleunza virus are there?

Answer 1

2 - A and B

Question 2

Influenza A vs B:

Which one is more severe and causes epi/pandemics?

Which one is found in animals?

How does it spread and what reduces transmission?

Answer 2

A

A - B is exclusively humans

Air droplets - wearing masks - COVID

Question 3

Epidemiology:

Why does the incidence peak in the wintertime?

Answer 3

Possibly due to:

• More indoor human contact
• Cold and humidity aids virus survival
• Low vit D levels leading to impaired immune function

Question 4

Presentation:

What resp symptoms do they have? - 3

What systemic S+S do they have?

Where do they get pain?

What may happens to the eyes? - 2

Answer 4

Dry cough
Coryza
Sore throat

Fever 
Rigours 
Fatigue 
Anorexia 
N&V

Headache
Muscle pain/aches - myalgia

Conjunctivitis
Photophobia
Eye pain

Question 5

Diagnosis:

How is it diagnosed?

What can be done to confirm in severe disease or for epidemiological surveillance?

Answer 5

Clinical diagnosis

Viral culture or PCR

Question 6

Management:

What 3 things do GP’s say in uncomplicated influenza?

What is meant by complicated influenza?

What drug can be given to help them?

Answer 6

Rest
Fluids
Paracetamol - to bring down the temperature

It includes lower RTI and exacerbation of an underlying medical condition
Also means they are high risk

Antivirals:

• Oseltamivir
• Zanamivir

Question 7

Prevention:

Vaccines are provided to reduce the risk. What can be done for those under 13 who may not be compliant?

Answer 7

Nasal vaccine