Upper Respiratory Infections Flashcards
What is the main cause of the common cold?
Rhinovirus 30-50%
What are the most common symptoms of the common cold?
Rhinorrhea
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Cough
Malaise
What would you see if you looked in the nose of someone with the common cold?
Mucosal swelling
Discharge that may be clear or purulent
What is the treatment for the common cold?
NOT antibiotics
NSAIDS, Tylenol
Antihistamine/decongestant combo
Expectorants/antitussives
Topical analgesics for sore throat
Who is at high risk of influenza?
Adults >65 yo
Children <5 and especially under 2 yo
Chronically ill (DM, COPD, cardiac, renal/liver)
Pregnant women
Healthcare workers
Nursing home residents
Native Americans (top 10 cause of death)
BMI 40+
Why do people die from the flu?
Secondary bacterial pneumonia
How does influenza present?
Abrupt onset- “I felt fine this morning and now i feel like i got hit by a truck”
Fever- may be very high
Myalgia
Sore throat- may be severely sore, but will not look like anything on exam
Who should be tested for influenza during flu season?
***
Healthy people with flu symptoms after a hospital admission, REGARDLESS of time of illness onset
healthy but high risk patients presenting WITHIN 5 DAYS of illness onset
Immunocompromised patients with acute febrile respiratory illness REGARDLESS of time of illness onset
ANY patient currently admitted to hospital who has acute febrile respiratory illness regardless of time of illness onset
Who should be tested for influenza even when it’s not flu season?
Healthcare workers, residents, or visitors in an institution experiencing a flu outbreak
Individuals who may have been exposed to the flu either in travel or on a cruise ship
When should any type of flu testing be done?
Within first 3-4 days of illness
What two types of flu tests are just screening tests?
Rapid antigen test (RAT)-takes 15 min
Immunofluorescence- takes 1-4 hrs
What is the MOST sensitive and specific flu test?
RT-PCR
Tells you influenza type and subtype
Takes 1-8 hrs
What is the gold standard flu test for lab diagnosis?
Viral cultures
Takes 3-10 days, so this is not for initial clinical management, but to confirm screening
When should you order RT-PCR or viral culture for influenza testing?
Negative RAT or immunofluorescence, and community flu rates are high
Positive RAT or immunofluorescence and community flu rates are low
Patient has recent exposure to pigs/poultry and there is worry for novel influenza A virus
Who should receive antiviral treatment for the flu?
People at high risk for complications**
Illness requiring hospitalization
Severe/complicated illness
When should antiviral treatment be given for the flu?
Within 24-30 hours from onset of symptoms.
Little benefit if given after 30 hrs
(Typically shortens course by 1-2 days)
What are the neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 75mg bid x 5 days
Zanamivir (Relenza) 10mg (2 inhalations) bid x 5 days
Peramivir (Rapivab) 600mg IV once
What influenza treatment is contraindicated in patients with asthma/chronic respiratory conditions?
Zanamavir (inhaled antiviral)
Can you give neurominidase inhibitors for flu treatment to pregnant women?
They are category C, but you should give them if you confirm or suspect influenza A
How long does it take after getting a flu shot for antibodies to develop?
2 weeks
How much protection does the flu shot provide against the flu
50-80% protection if its a close match
When is the best time to get the flu shot?
In October
Is the flu shot recommended for pregnant women?
Yes
What are the contraindications to getting a flu shot?
Current mod-severe illness
Hx of GUillain-barre within 6wks of previous flu shot
Hx of allergic reaction to flu shot