Description Influenza is a high...
Description
Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection, and is spread by respiratory droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Infected persons can spread the flu to others up to 6 feet away. The flu has an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours after exposure.
There are three main types of influenza (A, B, C). Type A is most able to change its structure from year to year, giving it the ability to produce widespread outbreaks.
Because Type A so frequently changes its structure, a new type of vaccine is required each year to protect against the strains of the virus that are circulating that year.
The disease is usually self-limited (resolves without treatment), but can be fatal in the very young, very old, or if there is a coexisting depression of the immune system.
It sometimes can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu based on symptoms alone.
In general the flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms such as fever (usually over 101F) and body aches are more severe with the flu.
Symptoms
Fever, headache, tiredness (fatigue), chills, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy and congested nose, muscle aches and stiffness. The fever in influenza tends to be higher (> 101 F or 38.3 C) than in other viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) such as the common cold. The muscle aches and fatigue tend to be more severe as well.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A nasopharyngeal swab to detect the viral antigen may be performed. A chest X-ray may be performed to rule out pneumonia.
Tests:
Rapid influenza test
Other Specific Tests: CBC (complete blood count), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A nasopharyngeal swab to detect the viral antigen may be performed. A chest X-ray may be performed to rule out pneumonia.
Tests:
Rapid influenza test
Other Specific Tests: CBC (complete blood count), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Rest and medications to reverse the fever such as acetaminophen(Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are administered to reduce the symptoms.
Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. Antiviral medications can be given but should be started within 48 hours of symptoms.
Each year the effectiveness of these drugs changes and selection is based on the type of influenza and the resistance of the virus.
The two antivirals recommended by the CDC are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). These medications can also be given to prevent the disease after an exposure (prophylaxis).
Yearly flu vaccination is the most important step in protecting against the flu viruses.