Influenza Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for Influenza lecture review.

Influenza

Acute viral respiratory infection caused by Influenza A, B, rarely C, leading to annual global outbreaks predominantly during winter.

Seasonal Epidemics

Influenza epidemics that occur seasonally, typically from October to March in the Northern Hemisphere.

Antigenic Subtypes

Different variations of the Influenza A virus, such as H1N1 and H3N2, which are associated with pandemics or epidemics.

Transmission of Influenza

Occurs through respiratory droplets, fomites, and aerosols.

Incubation Period

The time from exposure to influenza to symptom onset, typically 1-4 days, with an average of 2 days.

Viral Shedding (Influenza)

Peak shedding occurs 24-48 hours after symptom onset.

High-Risk Groups (Influenza)

Include children <5 years (especially <2), adults ≥65 years, immunosuppressed individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Clinical Features (Adults)

Abrupt onset fever, nonproductive cough, and myalgias, malaise, sore throat, and headache.

Clinical Features (Children)

High variability from mild to severe symptoms including high fever, cough, nasal congestion, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Complications of Influenza

Pneumonia (secondary bacterial), exacerbation of chronic diseases (COPD, asthma), and rare neurological complications.

Diagnosis of Influenza

Clinical suspicion, rapid antigen tests, and PCR (gold standard).

Antiviral Treatment (Adults)

Oseltamivir (preferred) or Peramivir, initiated promptly within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Supportive Treatment (Influenza)

Includes hydration and analgesics.

Pediatric Management (Influenza)

Antiviral treatment (Oseltamivir) in severe cases, hospitalized, and high-risk children; dosing is weight/age-specific.

Prevention (Influenza)

Annual vaccination with vaccine strain selection by WHO.

Types of Influenza Vaccines

Inactivated vaccines (IIV), Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV), cell-culture based vaccines, and Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV).

Vaccination in Children

Recommended from 6 months of age, with special considerations for egg allergy and immunocompromised states.

Public Health Surveillance (Influenza)

CDC FluView and WHO Flu Net are critical for managing outbreaks.