DISEASE INFLUENZA

Influenza

INFLUENZA ( SEASONAL FLU) 

influenza is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by influenza virus .There are 3 distinct type of influenza virus : A B and C all known pandemic were caused by influenza A strains. 

AGENTS 

influenza viruses are classified within the family orthomyxoviridae.there are 3 viral sub types A,B and C there are antigenically distinct.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

 Person to person by droplet infection or droplet nuclei created by sneezing , coughing or talking. The portal of entry of the virus is the respiratory tract .

INCUBATION PERIOD

      18-72 hrs 

PATHOGENESIS 

The virus enters the respiratory tract and cause inflammation and necrosis of superficial epithelium of the tracheal and bronchial mucosa followed by secondary bacterial invasion . 

C/F 

• Fever.                          • chills 

• cough                          • redness of eye

• body ache                   • nasal discharge

• flushed face 

• arthralgia

• malaise 

INVESTIGATION 

• Blood: leucopenia 

• urine : proteinuria 

• isolation of virus from nasopharyngeal secretion 

• culture: cell culture

• detection of antibodies against influenza virus 

D/D 

• Common cold 

• phyarngitis 

• acute bronchitis 

• measles

COMPLICATION 

• Acute bronchitis

• otitis media 

• acute sinusitis

TREATMENT 

• GENERAL TREATMENT 

          - REST 

          - ANALGESIC AND ANTIPYRETIC 

          - HIGH CALORIE DIET 

• SPECIFIC TREATMENT 

          - AMANTADINE AND RIMANTAIDINE 

• TREATMENT OF COMPLICATION

     - ANTIBIOTICS FOR SECONDARY BACTERIA INFECTION .

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

     • Educate public regarding the important of hand washing

     • dispose of human excreta in sanitary manner and maintain fly proof latrine 

     • use scrupulous cleanliness in food preparation and handling