Influenza Flashcards
influenza
- acute, viral infection of URT that is self-limiting
types of influenza
type A
type B
type C
which type is most prevalent + serious
type A
incubation period
1-4 days
patho
- viral entry targets upper resp cells
- 2 methods of injury
2 methods of injury (patho)
- virus invades epith cells in URT and damages host DNA
2. immune response causes inflm –> damage
cmplx
- can extend into LRT and cause bronchial & alveolar damage
- secondary bacterial infect
- acute bronchitis or pneumonia
how to prevent infection from extenting into LRT
pt must rest and treat
how does secondary bacterial infection occur
virus causes damage to the mucociliary blanket is not functioning adequately allowing pathogenic bacteria to cause an infection in the lungs
what population more susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection
elderly and young children
mnfts
- lethargy, myalgia
- cough
- fever
why does lethargy & myalgia manifest
energy consumed for immune defense
why does cough manifest
d/t irritation of the resp lining
tx
- do not need to treat for the virus (self-limiting)
- bed rest
- symptomatic management
- limit spread
- antivirals (not generally used)
- immunization
how to limit spread
- hand hygiene
- isolate