Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Influenza: an acute respiratory illness caused by RNA viruses of the…
Influenza: an acute respiratory illness caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae (influenza viruses).
Types
Influenza B often co-circulates with influenza A during the yearly outbreaks. Generally, influenza B causes less severe clinical illness, although it can still be responsible for outbreaks.
Influenza C usually causes a mild or asymptomatic infection similar to the common cold.
Influenza A occurs more frequently and is more virulent. It is responsible for local outbreaks, larger epidemics and pandemics.
antiviral drugs (oseltamivir or zanamivir) are not usually recommended, unless they are at risk of developing serious complications
Presentation
occurs in the UK during the winter months, typically between December and March
signs and symptoms include: coryza, nasal discharge, cough, fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, ocular symptoms, and sore throat.
signs and symptoms that: require hospital admission, involve the lower respiratory tract, central nervous system, or cause significant exacerbation of an underlying medical condition.
symptoms appearing around 2 days after exposure
Complications
Acute bronchitis.
Pneumonia.
Exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Otitis media.
Sinusitis.
Differential diagnosis
infectious mononucleosis
pertussis
bacteria pneumonia/acute bronchitis
malaria- suspect if travel hx
streptococcal pharyngitis-cough and sneezing absent
common cold - tends to cause nasal problems, fever and fatigue less severe
meningitis should be rule out-purpuric rash, stiff neck, vomiting, photophobia, servere headache, confusion
At risk groups for immunisation
Those with chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, liver, or neurological disease;
diabetes mellitus; or those who are obese or immunosuppressed.
Those over the age of 65 years.
Women who are pregnant (or women up to two weeks post partum).
Children aged under 6 months.
Self care advice
rest
stay off school/work until symptoms resolve, usually 7 days
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms
worst symptoms pass in 1 week but may last 2 weeks
Drink adequate fluids
follow up required within 1 week if patient at high risk of serious complications.
hospital admission
complication occurs e.g. pneumonia
co-existing medical conditions putting them at risk e.g. diabetes
alternative diagnosis
children under 2 in at risk group
feverish child