Lecture Notes on Influenza and Hepatitis

Flashcards about influenza and hepatitis

Approximately how many hospitalizations were there due to the flu in 2025?

580,000

Approximately how many deaths were there due to the flu in 2025?

25,000

How many pediatric deaths occurred due to the flu in 2025?

168

What is a key nursing responsibility regarding the flu?

Educating people about the flu and the importance of vaccination

How does the onset of the flu typically compare to that of a cold?

The flu hits you like a ton of bricks, while a cold eases on you

List common symptoms of the flu.

Headache, fever, body aches, joint aches, runny nose, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, and sometimes vomiting

Which types of influenza primarily affect human beings?

Influenza A, B, and C

Which types of influenza are responsible for yearly flu epidemics?

Influenza A and B

How is influenza typically transmitted?

Through droplet transmission (coughing, sneezing, talking) and touching contaminated surfaces

List groups of people who are at higher risk for flu infection.

Elderly (65+), young children, people with compromised immunity, people with respiratory diseases, and pregnant women

What is a common misconception about the flu vaccine?

That the vaccine gives you the flu

What are the primary methods of preventing the spread of the flu?

Washing hands and covering your mouth

What type of medication is ineffective against the flu?

Antibiotics

When is it appropriate to give a patient with the flu an antibiotic?

If the flu progresses into a bacterial pneumonia

What is the most common diagnostic test for the flu?

Rapid flu test

What is the gold standard test for confirming the flu?

RT-PCR

What are the ABCs of nursing interventions, especially in respiratory cases?

Airway, Breathing, Circulation

What types of medications are used to treat flu symptoms?

Analgesics like Tylenol and ibuprofen

What is the primary focus of treatment for the flu?

Treating the symptoms

Name two possible ways to get hepatitis.

Alcohol, toxins, some autoimmune diseases, or medications

What is Hepatitis A's mode of transmission?

Fecal-oral route

Hepatitis B and C can be contracted in what way?

Blood, body fluids, substance abuse (needles), sexual contact, or mother to child

What is the risk of contracting Hepatitis B and C during childbirth?

Mother to child transmission

What is the typical severity of Hepatitis A?

Self-limiting, doesn't usually cause much damage

What is the risk if Hepatitis B isn't treated?

Liver damage

What is the risk if Hepatitis C isn't treated?

Higher risk for cirrhosis and liver cancer

What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis?

Jaundice, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, joint pain

Where does jaundice typically appear?

Eye sclera and mucous membranes

How does Hepatitis cause dark urine?

Bilirubin is not metabolized properly, causing overflow into the urine

What diagnostic tests are run to diagnose Hepatitis?

LFTs (liver function tests)

What is being looked for when checking for Hepatitis A?

IgM antibodies

What is being looked for when checking for Hepatitis B?

Hep B surface antigen, Hep B core antibody, and anti-HB surface antibody

What us being looked for when checking for Hepatitis C?

HCV antibody and RNA (viral load)

Other than bloodwork, what diagnostic tests are run for Hepatitis?

Ultrasound, CAT scan, MRI, and liver biopsy

What is a key element of treatment for hepatitis?

Supportive care, which includes rest, hydration, and diet

Why is diet an important part of treating Hepatitis?

The liver isn't working properly, and you need nutrients

What are things to avoid if you have Hepatitis?

Alcohol and certain medications

What is a common injection used to treat Hepatitis B?

Interferon

What are medications for Hepatitis C called?

Direct acting antivirals

What is a nursing intervention for someone with Hepatitis?

Pain management if the patient is having pain or discomfort and emotional support

Why do healthcare facilities require Hep B vaccines?

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through needle sticks and blood exposure

Give some examples of lifestyle changes needed for Hepatitis

No drinking and no smoking

Rapid flu tests look for which two types of influenza?

A and B

What is the timeframe from the onset of symptoms of the Flu to take Tamiflu?

Within three days

Where can you look for jaundice?

Eye sclera and mucous membranes

What population is at high risk for bacterial pneumonia due to the Flu?

Very young and very old populations

What is the most important thing when someone is sick with the flu and doesn't want to eat?

Hydration

What is the influenza that only affects cattle?

Influenza D

What is another big symptom of the Flu besides the common cough,sore throat, congestion?

Fatigue

What is especially important to get for people working in daycares?

Hepatitis A vaccine