Severe flu management: a point of view

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.