Influenza

Question 1

contraindications to the live attenuated vaccine in children ?

Answer 1

current febrile illness or rhinitis
current wheeze or severe asthma 
immunocompromised 
< 2 yrs 
egg allergy 
pregnancy/breast feeding 
if child is taking aspirin (risk of Reye's syndrome)

Question 2

how is the vaccine administered in children ?

Answer 2

intranasally (live attenuated vaccine)

Question 3

when do children recieve the influenza vaccine ?

Answer 3

from 2/3yrs and annually thereafter

Question 4

side effects from influenza vaccine given in children ?

Answer 4

blocked nose/ rhinitis
headache
anorexia

Question 5

side effects from influenza vaccine in adults ?

Answer 5

malaise and fever in a minority which lasts 1-2 days

Question 6

contraindications to influenza vaccine in adults ?

Answer 6

egg protein allergy

Question 7

indications for receiving influenza vaccine in adults ?

Answer 7

all adults aged > 65yrs 
adults with one of the following;
- chronic kidney, liver, pulmonary, neurological and/or heart disease 
- immunosuppression 
- asplenia or splenic dysfunction 
- pregnant woman 
- BMI > 40 
- diabetes 

• health/social care workers
• carers of elderly or disabled
• living in residential homes

Question 8

what would be the indication for a double dose of influenza vaccine in a child ?

Answer 8

children aged 2-9 yrs who have never had the vaccine will require 2 doses

Question 9

1st line treatment in complicated influenza ?

Answer 9

Oseltimavir