Influenza
Evaluation
General—a common respiratory infection that afflicts many people throughout the world.
Influenza season = December through March
Clinical—symptoms are typically of sudden onset; mean duration = 7 days (longer in the elderly).
Fever and cough are the best predictors for influenza (vs. the “common cold”).
Additional symptoms include headache, sore throat, myalgia, weakness, congestion, and diminished appetite.
Epidemiology—80% to 90% of influenza-associated deaths occur in adults aged 65 years or older.
Diagnostic algorithm—rapid diagnostic tests can detect influenza viruses (typically takes 30 minutes).
Viral culture, however, has the best sensitivity, and can provide subtypes and strains.
Management
Antiviral agents
Amantadine and rimantadine
Mechanism—block ion channels formed by influenza A’s M2 protein
NOT effective against influenza B
Efficacy—decreases length of illness by 1 day in patients treated within the first 2 days of illness
Dosage
Adverse effects
Amantadine—central nervous system (CNS) (anxiety, depression, hallucinations, seizures), gastrointestinal (GI)Related posts:
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