Influenza-Like Illness Diagnosis and Management in the Acute Care Setting

During influenza season, acute respiratory illness due to influenza is difficult to distinguish from other influenza-like illnesses, but testing should be reserved for situations when timely results will influence management or infection control measures. Immunization status and timing of disease onset notwithstanding, a neuraminidase inhibitor should be offered immediately for certain high-risk children; neuraminidase inhibitor treatment should be considered if shorter illness is warranted or an at-risk sibling may be protected. Antipyretics and cough control may be useful. Immunization with an age-appropriate dose of an inactivated influenza vaccine is the cornerstone of prevention for health care personnel and our patients.