Lecture 4: Influenza

General characteristics of Influenza

* Acute
* Highly contagious
* Airborne
* Common in young horses
* Rapidly spread

Influenza incubation time

1-5 days

Clinical signs

* acute fever: 103-105
* dry coughing, upper resp distress
* serous/mucopurulent nasal discharge
* anorexia, lethargy, muscle soreness

Influenza diagnosis

* PCR
* virology
* serology
* paired titers

Influenza prevention

* biosec
* vaccine twice yearly, every 2-3 months for high risk

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Influenza tx

* Rest
* Antipyretic
* Analgesic
* Cough med
* Antiviral (expensive)
* Antibiotic for secondary pneumonia
* Supportive care

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What is the rule of thumb for respiratory epithelium recovery time

One week for every day the horse runs a fever, three weeks minimum

How do antivirals work

Inhibits replication of viral particles, slows down disease, must give early to be worth it.

Ways to kill a virus

* antivirals (intracellular)
* antibodies (extracellular/humoral)
* detergents
* disinfectants

What is the goal of supportive care

Treatment of symptoms or abnormalities, not tx of the infectious organism.

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Common supportive care options

* fever management
* reduce inflammation
* pain management
* nutrition
* fluids
* wound care
* NSAIDS (bute/banamine)

NSAID complications

* toxicity due to high dose a/o prolonged use
* ulcers
* renal disease

Steroid complications

* overdose can inhibit immune system
* swelling
* immune mediated disorders
* neuro disease
* laminitis