INFLUENZA

• Influenza


  An acute infectious disease affecting the respiratory system
• Other Term


  La Grippe
• Etiologic Agents


  • Influenza virus A
  • Influenza virus B
  • Influenza virus C
• Source of Infection


  Discharges from the mouth and nose of infected persons
• Mode of Transmission


  • Droplet
  • Direct contact through droplet infection
  • Indirect contact (fomites)
• Incubation Period


  1 to 3 days, occasionally up to 5 days
• Period of Communicability


  Infectious period lasts from 1 day before until 3-5 days after onset of symptoms in adults
• Clinical Manifestations


  • Chilly sensation
  • Hyperpyrexia
  • Severe aches and pain usually at the back associated with severe sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Sore throat
  • Coryza and cough
• Complications


  • Hemorrhagic pneumonia
  • Encephalitis
  • Myocarditis
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
  • Myoglobinuria
• Diagnostic Procedures


  • Blood examinations
  • Viral Culture (oropharyngeal washing or swabbing during the first few days of illness)
  • Viral Serology
  • Complement Fixation Test
  • Chest Radiography
  • Arterial Blood Gas Testing
  • Laboratory Tests
• Management


  • Stay at home
  • Teach the patient about proper disposal of tissues and good handwashing technique
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Fever Management (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
  • Maintain contact and droplet precautions
  • Limit strenuous activities
  • Watch for signs and symptoms of developing pneumonia
• Preventive Measures


  • Active immunization with influenza vaccine
  • Education of the public as to sanitary hazard from spitting, sneezing and coughing
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Avoid use of common towels, glasses and eating utensils