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Influenza (Rhinovirus)What am i?

Known as the “FLU” , a highly contagious acute viral respiratory infection.Types : ❖ A❖ B❖ C

PathoVirus invades the epithelium of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and desquamation.After attaching to the host cell, viral ribonucleic acid enters the cell and uses host components to replicate its genetic material and protein, which are then assembled into new virus particles.Newly produced viruses burst out to invade other healthy cells. Viral invasion destroys host cells, impairing respiratory defenses (especially the mucociliary transport system) and predisposing the patient to secondary bacterial infection.

Causes Infection by the orthomyxovirus, which is transmitted by inhaling a respiratory droplet from an infected person or by indirect contact (such as drinking from a contaminated glass)

Subtypes❖ Avian flu: Does not

usually affect humans, mainly affects birds.

❖ Swine flu: A strain of flu that contains genetics from swine, avian, and human influenza viruses.

Assessment Usually, recent exposure (typically within 48 hours) to a person with influenza, No influenza vaccine received during the past seasonCNS: HeadacheMISC: Malaise, Fatigue, listlessness, weakness,Fever,Warm, hot skin, Red, watery eyes; clear nasal discharge, Erythema of the nose and throat without exudateMS: Myalgia, Pain with eye movementFatigue, listlessness, weaknessRESP: Sore throat, Nonproductive cough,Tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosisCardio: Tachycardia

Complications ❖ Pneumonia❖ Croup❖ Ear infections❖ Myositis❖ Exacerbation of chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease❖ Reye syndrome❖ Rhabdomyolysis❖ Myocarditis❖ Pericarditis❖ Transverse myelitis❖ Encephalitis❖ Toxic shock syndrome❖ Acute respiratory distress

syndrome❖ Death

Risk factors❖ Weakened immune system❖ Age (very young or elderly)❖ Occupation: Health care or

day-care worker❖ Chronic illness❖ Pregnancy❖ Living in close quarters with

many people❖ Caring for or living with a

person with influenza

Labs & DiagnosticsThroat swabs, nasopharyngeal washes or swabs, or sputum culture isolate the influenza virus.

❖ Immunodiagnostic techniques show viral antigens in tissue culture or in exfoliated nasopharyngeal cells obtained by washings.

❖ White blood cell (WBC) count is elevated in secondary bacterial infection.

❖ White blood cell count and differential are decreased in overwhelming viral or bacterial infection.

❖ Rapid influenza antigen tests are positive for the type of influenza (A or B).

❖ Chest radiography rules out pneumonia.

Treatments ❖ Antipyretics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), or

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil)

❖ Guaifenesin (Robitussin) or expectorant❖ Antivirals: oseltamivir phosphate

(Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza Diskhaler) as precautionary medications to family members and others not vaccinated and who have been exposed by the infected even if they are not showing signs or symptoms

❖ Influenza virus vaccine (for prevention)❖ Antibiotics for secondary bacterial

infections such as bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, or sinusitis

Interventions ❖ Encourage rest❖ Encourage fluid intake❖ Monitor lung sounds❖ Administer medications as

prescribed❖ Institute droplet precautions