Respiratory Disorders: Influenza Flashcards
What is influenza (flu)?
common, acute, viral infection in the Upper Respiratory Tract (URT)
Influenze is largely ____-______ and do not treat w/ _______ or _______
self-limiting
antibiotics
antivirals
What types of influenza are there? (3)
- type A
- type B
- type C
Which type is more prevalent and which are milder forms? Which is more serious and give rise to a epidemic?
Type A is more prevalent and serious and give rise to an epidemic
Type B and C is the milder forms
How long is the incubation period. How long it remain infectious for?
1-4 days
infectious 5-7 days following onset
Pathophysiology of influenza (3)
- viral entry
- damage to epithelial cells
- bronchial and alveolar damage if extension to LRT
Virus invades ________ cells in URT and damage ____ cells
epithelial cells
host cells
What are the 2 mechanisms to damage in the epithelial cells?
- virus incorporate viral DNA to host cell causing viral damage
- Inflm damage as a result of immune response –> non-specific
How does bronchial and alveolar damage occur?
when defenses are compromised, the virus migrate to lungs of the LRT and proliferate
Complications occur when virus progress to ______ and must be ______
LRT
managed
What are the complications? (2)
- secondary bacterial infection
2. bronchitis or pneumonia
How does secondary bacterial infection happen?
The virus targets the mucociliary blanket and compromise the defense.
The Bacteria is inhaled from air and move into the lungs b/c defense is compromised.
How does bronchitis and pneumonia happen?
IR is targeting the virus while damaging the cellular lining and cilia –> opportunity for pathogenic bacteria to enter the lungs –> leads to bacterial or viral pneumonia and result in acute bronchitis
Manifestations of influenza (3)
- lethargy, myalgia –> energy consumed by IR
- cough–> dry coughs d/t irritations of respiratory lining
- fever
Treatment for Influenza (5)
- self-limiting
- symptomatic management
- limit spread
- anti-viral??
- immunizations
How to self-limit during an influenza?
bed rest for a week or so and do not do anything else
How to limit spread of infection? (2)
- stay home and away from others –> to prevent passing it one to others
- limit spread of infection to LRT
Is the anti-viral normally used?
sometimes but generally no
What 2 anti-viral agents are used? What is the MOA?
- amantadine: decrease ability for virus to uncoat its RNA/genetic material before incorporating into the host DNA (exposure of genetic material is prevented)
- Relenza: a secondary generation antiviral drug –> prevent viral particle from releasing
Which type of influenza is Relenza most effective against?
Type A and B
What is used prophylactically? How?
immunization (flu shot) is used to prevent infections to develop
a component of virus is injected to host–> IR detect the particle and creates antibodies to fend off the virus
What is the vaccine based on?
based on the strains of virus
How can immunization be less effective?
when virus mutate –>immunization become less effective
What is the incubation period?
the number of days between when you’re infected with something and when you might see symptoms
