“influenza symptoms are only a slight intensification of one’s ordinary attitudes to life-like a disinclination to get up, diffuse aches that should get helped by gently massage.”
Definition
An acute febrile, self limiting viral infection caused by influenza Virus A and B.
Prognosis
Generally excellent but fatalities can occur in those with heart disease, when they develop pneumonia especially staphylococcal. Pregnant women may develop influenzal pneumonia and die. The elderly may die of bacterial complications
General Measures
Bed rest until symptoms subside.Avoid smoking Increase fluid intake
Advice to Patient
Educate high risk patients – the elderly, COPD cases, immuno-suppressed, and chronically ill on prevention.
Follow Up
Not required unless complications occur.
Inadequate Response
Suspect bacterial infection in sinus, bronchi, middle ear, or lungs. Get a total count done which, if there is a bacterial infection shows a leukocytosis, also the cough becomes productive. Give antibiotics as appropriate.
Prevention
Prophylactic vaccination Whole or split vaccine for adults, 0.5 ml IM single dose to be given to the elderly, nursing home residents, health care workers, those with chronic diseases, cardiac or respiratory disease, and the immuno-suppressed, a month before exposure the virus is expected, or at least 14 days in advance.Amantadine or rimantidine (100 mg bid for 14 days) protects against influenza A only, and is given to those for whom vaccinations is contra-indicated, during the 10 days vaccine takes to protect the person, and those who are immunocompromised as added protection.
