S10 L1 - Influenza and Virology Flashcards
1
Q
- *Influenza**
- What is influenza?
- Is it infectious?
- Seasonal
A
What is influenza?
An acute viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs)
Is it infectious?
Highly infectious, spreads rapidly in closed communities.
Seasonal:
Most cases in the UK occur during an 8-10-week period during the winter
2
Q
Pathogen
- Structure (including type of RNA, 2 surface antigens)
- 3 main types of influenza
A
3
Q
Patient
- Which types of people at risk from each type of influenza
- People at increased risk of complications
A
4
Q
Mechanism of infection
- Three main modes of transmission
A
5
Q
Incubation period
Barriers to entry via respiratory route
A
6
Q
Infection:
- How does influenza enter cells?
- How does infleunza replicate?
A
7
Q
How does the virus leave the cell?
A
8
Q
Symptoms and Complications of Influenza
How does the flu actually kill people?
A
- *How does the Flu Actually Kill People?**
- The immune system ‘overreacts’ – T-cells attack and destroy the tissues in which the virus is replicating, particularly the lungs
- Opportunistic secondary infection i.e. Step. or Staph., usually in the lungs
9
Q
Management:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
A
10
Q
More info on - Neuraminidase inhibitor
A
11
Q
Genetic changes in the influenza virus
- Antigenic drift
- Antigenic shift
A
12
Q
Consequences of Antigenic shift?
A
