Respiratory Viruses Flashcards
what is influenza?
ssRNA enveloped virus that is spread by respiratory droplets
what is Flu A?
more severe illness, found in humans and animals, causes pandemics
liable for antigenic shift
what is Flu B?
less severe illness, only found in humans, doesn’t cause pandemics, not liable for antigenic shift
what is antigenic shift?
rapid changes/reassortments in virus causing new-to human surface proteins
what are flu symptoms?
fever, fatigue, appetite loss, coughing, sore throat
can antivirals be used for flu?
yes - neuraminidase inibitors
what is the flu vaccine?
quadrivalent with two of each
how effective is the flu vax?
60-80% in adults, 20-30% in elderly, 50-60% at preventing hospitalizations
what are the important proteins in the flu virus?
hemagglutinin (attaches virus to cell receptors)
neuraminidase (frees virus)
what are complications of flu?
croup/bronchitis for kids
primary influenza pneumonia
secondary bacterial infection
heart disease
what is respiratory syncytial virus?
causes bronchitis in children and winter epidemics
how is respiratory syncytial virus spread?
through hand contact and respiratory (lesser)
what are the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus?
cold symptoms in older children and adults
can be fatal for kids with lung issues and preemies
how is respiratory syncytial virus treated?
with ribivirin - but it is very expensive and requires hospitalization
how common is respiratory syncytial virus?
almost all children have had it by 4
leading cause of bronchitis in children
