URTI II

Question 1

What is influenza?

Answer 1

Viral respiratory tract infection caused by influenza virus

Question 2

Usual presentations of influenza?

Answer 2

Fever, body aches, chills

Question 3

What are the three strains of influenza?

Answer 3

A, B and C.

Question 4

Complications of influenza?

Answer 4

• Viral pneumonia
• Post-influenza bacterial pneumonia (particularly those caused by staph aureus) -> high mortality rate
• respiratory failure
• Exacerbate underlying pulmonary or cardiac comorbidities
• Febrile seizures
• Myocarditis or pericarditis

Question 5

Who are at high risk for influenza complications?

Answer 5

– Children < 5 years
– Elderly ≥ 65 years
– Women who are pregnant or within 2 weeks post-partum
– Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
– Obese individuals with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2
– Individuals with chronic medical conditions (e.g. asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, immunocompromised, etc.)

Question 6

How to prevent influenza?

Answer 6

1. Good personal hygiene
2. Healthy lifestyle
3. Vaccination (best prevention) - administered IM ONCE per year. Indicated for all individuals at least 6 months old

Question 7

How to diagnose influenza?

Answer 7

RT-PCR is used in inpatient settings

Question 8

Treatment for influenza?

Answer 8

For documented or suspected influenza:
- initiate as soon as possible within 48 hours of symptom onset for individuals who fulfil any ONE of the following:
Hospitalised
High risk for complications
Severe, complicated or progressive illness
- may be considered for others like outpatients presenting within 48 hours or symptom onset

Question 9

How to treat influenza?

Answer 9

Oseltamivir (oral only) 75mg PO BD x 5 days
Renal dose adjustment required.

Active against influenza A and B.
Neuraminidase inhibitor.
Well tolerated.