Influenza

Question 1

When if flu season?

Answer 1

December - March

Question 2

What is treatment of influenza infection?

Immunocompetent

Immunocompromised

Answer 2

Decide if complicated or not:
hospital admission
severe symptoms e.g dyspnoea
oxygen requirement

Uncomplicated:
immunocompetent - no treatment
immunocompromised - H3N2 - Oseltamivir 75mg BD oral for 5 days
immunocompromised - H1N1 - Zanamavir 10mg BD inhaled for 5 days

Complicated:
- immunocompetent - oseltamavir 75mg BD for 5 days
- immunocompromised - H3N2 - Oseltamivir 75mg BD oral for 5 days
- immunocompromised - H1N1 - Zanamavir 10mg BD inhaled for 5 days

Need treatment within 48 hours of symptoms

Question 3

What is PEP for close contacts?

Answer 3

Osteltamivir 75mg OD for 10 days

Question 4

Who should not receive treatment?

Answer 4

If suspected flu, but previously healthy, and not at risk of complications, does not require any further treatment.