Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Using Zebrafish Models of Human Influenza A Virus Infections to Screen Antiviral Drugs and Characterize Host Immune Cell Responses
Published on: January 20, 2017
Severe flu management: a point of view
Antoni Torres1, Ignacio-Martin- Loeches2,3, Wendy Sligl4,5
1Service of Pneumology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain. atorres@clinic.cat.
Abstract:
Annual flu seasons are typically characterized by changes in types and subtypes of influenza, with variations in terms of severity. Despite remarkable improvements in the prevention and management of patients with suspected or laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of influenza, annual seasonal influenza continues to be associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Admission to the intensive care unit is required for patients with severe forms of seasonal influenza infection, with primary pneumonia being present in most of the cases. This review summarizes the most recent knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment strategies in critically ill patients with influenza, focused on diagnostic testing methods, antiviral therapy, use of corticosteroids, antibacterial and antifungal therapy, and supportive measures. The review focuses on diagnostic testing methods, antiviral therapy, use of corticosteroids, antibacterial and antifungal therapy, supportive measures and relevant existing evidence, in order to provide the non-expert clinician a useful overview. An enhanced understanding of current diagnostic and treatment aspects of influenza infection can contribute to improve outcomes and reduce mortality among ICU patients with influenza.
Insights
Seasonal influenza causes significant illness and death, especially in severe cases requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This review details current diagnostic and treatment strategies for critically ill influenza patients to improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Annual influenza seasons present varied strains and severity, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality.
- Severe seasonal influenza infections often necessitate intensive care unit (ICU) admission, frequently complicated by primary pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on diagnosing and treating critically ill patients with influenza.
- To provide a concise overview of diagnostic testing, antiviral therapy, corticosteroid use, antimicrobial treatments, and supportive care for non-expert clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent evidence on influenza diagnosis and treatment in critically ill patients.
- Focus on diagnostic methods, antiviral and adjunctive therapies, and supportive care strategies.
Main Results:
- Influenza diagnosis in critically ill patients requires timely and accurate testing.
- Antiviral therapy, judicious use of corticosteroids, and appropriate antibacterial/antifungal treatments are key.
- Supportive care measures are crucial for managing severe influenza complications.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing diagnostic and treatment strategies for influenza in ICU settings can reduce patient mortality.
- Enhanced understanding of current evidence aids clinicians in managing severe influenza infections effectively.
More Related Videos
05:21A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
09:31Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals
Published on: April 15, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:26Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:22Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever: