Influenza Vaccine

Question 1

Background (EXTRA)

Answer 1

Influenza is highly infectious respiratory infection caused by viruses: Types A, B, C.
A - more severe, B- less, C - least.
- A is found in animals

Transmitted through air, droplets or contact.
Incubation period (time for virus to grow) - 1-3days

Question 2

Symptoms of flu

Answer 2

Chills, fever, headaches, extreme fatigue, muscle pain.

Respiratory: dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion.

Complications - bronchitis, ear infection in children, RARELY - cardiac/neurological issues

Question 3

High risk groups (EXAM Q)

Answer 3

• Children <6 months
• Pregnant women (inc. post partum)
• Elderly >65
• Pts with chronic diseases
• Severely immunosuppressed health.

THESE PPL normally get free flu jab from NHS

Question 4

Anti viral drugs to treat

Answer 4

Oseltamivir and Zanamivir for treatment and prevention
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) - resistant can occur

NB: Zamimivir - comes as inhaled or IV infusion.
- IV saved for severe/ when others forms/meds don’t work

Question 5

Treatment Guidelines

Answer 5

Uncomplicated:
- Usually treated at home
- Antiviral (oseltamivir) for at risk groups/Severe case

Complicated:
- Hospital
- Oseltamivir or Inhaled zanamivir for severely immunosuppressed Pts.

Question 6

Post exposure Prophylaxis

Answer 6

Antiviral prophylaxis
- For those exposed to the flu in venerable settings i.e. home, care home.

-Oseltamivir for most ALT Zanamivir if oselta resistance sus.

Question 7

Vaccine types (BNF) (EXTRA)

Answer 7

There is live and Inactivated forms. (24/25 recommended in form card)
- Choice is age and pref dependent.

6 months - 2 yrs QIVc recommended

2 yrs - 17 - LAIV recommended except when not suitable (can have porcine)

6mnt - 9 yrs at risk or live with immunocompromised and never had vaccine take 2 DOSES. 4 week gap

Pregnant - QIVc ALT QIVe

18-59 eligible - QIVc ALT QIVe

60-64 eligible - aQIV or QIV-HD ALT QIVc

65+ - aQIV or QIVHD ALT QIVc

Question 8

Forms of vaccine (EXTRA)

Answer 8

Vaccines recommended for 24/25 are:
- inactivated adjuvanted egg-grown quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV),
- inactivated cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc),
- inactivated egg-grown quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVe),
- inactivated high-dose egg-grown quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV-HD), and
- live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).