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TL Influenza LAG
Influenza LAG
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Define influenza. | acute viral infection of the respiratory tract, usually seasonal |
What populations are most at risk for influenza? | Very young, elderly, institutional setting, chronic diseases like: immunosuppressed/compromised, CV/respiratory disorder, diabetes, cirrhosis, CRF |
When was the first flu virus identified? | 1930 |
Name the types of flu virus and their characteristics. | Type A – most prevelant, associated with most serious epidemics, greater ability to mutate; Type B – can reach epidemic levels, usually milder; type C – never connected with a large epidemic |
Which populations have the highest mortality rates associated with influenza (2)? | Elderly and very young |
Which type of influenza is responsible for pandemics and local epidemics? | type A |
How is influenza primarily transmitted? | aerosol |
Define aerosol transmission. | Cloud or mist of liquid droplets containing pathogenic particles dispersed by coughing or sneezing |
Name 10 clinical manifestations of influenza (F S H Ci R No M St L M Cunp) . | Fever, Sweating, HA, Conjunctival irritation, rhinitis, nasal obstruction, general malaise, sore throat, laryngitis, myalgia, cough (usually non productive) |
What chest findings are associated with influenza? | usually none unless pneumonia |
How long can an influenza infection last? | up to 10 days |
What complications does influenza predispose a person to? | viral bronchitis, viral or bacterial pneumonia, superinfection, guillain barre or exacerbation |
Defien Guillain Barre. | ascending acute demylinating polyneuropathy usually triggered by an acute infection – weakness starts in hands and feet and migrates toward the trunk |
How could the clinician differentiate between influenza and the common cold? | influenza is different because it comes on suddenly and affects a larger population – cold symptoms come on more slowly, usually don’t have fever or malaise, and tend to involve nasal manifestations |
What two symptoms are necessary for the diagnosis of influenza? | fever and cough |
How long is influenza contagious? | for 2-3 days from the beginning of symptoms |
Name two diagnostic tests for influenza. | Hemagglutination inhibition antibody test and serologic diagnosis based on fourfold rise in antibody titers |
Describe hemagglutination inhibition antibody tests. | blood and antibody in question are mixed together. If the red blood cells have antigen to the antibody they won’t stick together. |
Discuss interventions for influenza. | Based on manifestations, mostly supportive: relieve fever, myalgia, and cough |
Name two drugs used for influenza. | Zanamivir (Relenza) and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) |
What type of influenza does Rimantidine treat? | Uncomplicated type A |
Discuss the timing of administration, method of administration, and therapeutic action of Zanamivir (Relenza). | administration within 24 hours of onset prevent massive multiplication of virus |
When should Rimantadine be taken and how does it help? | Rimantadine taken within 48 hours after onset reduces the duration of fever and other manifestations and allows client to return to their daily routines more quickly |
What intervention do we recommend to at risk patients to avoid influenza? | annual influenza vaccine, stay home/away from crowds, frequent handwashing, cover nose/mouth to cough |
What groups should have annula influenza vaccine? | >65 and chronic illness |
How long does it take for development of full antibody complement after influenza vaccine? | 6-8 weeks |
Who should not have influenza vaccine? | allergic to vaccine, eggs, or Hx of Guillain – Barre |
Define the use of Symmetrel in the treatment of influenza. | Symmetrel is given to high risk clients early in the course of an outbreak to help prevent or decrease symptoms or to those with allergy to influenza vaccine |
What should the nurse watch for to prevent complications of influenza? | Careful observation of CV/Pulmonary systems in those with hx of illness and for bacterial superinfection with administration of antibiotics |
How is influenza spread? | aerosol |