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Influenza. More than mom and chicken soup
G A Bergen1, S G Gompf, P A Sakalosky
1University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA.
The Journal of the Florida Medical Association
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Influenza, a common respiratory illness, is caused by subtypes A, B, or C. Influenza A poses a higher mortality risk and can cause pandemics, necessitating annual vaccination for high-risk groups.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza is an epidemic respiratory illness caused by viral subtypes A, B, and C.
- Influenza A is associated with higher mortality rates and is responsible for pandemics and yearly epidemics.
- Clinical presentation includes abrupt onset of fever, malaise, headache, and cough, typically lasting 3-5 days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of influenza, its subtypes, clinical manifestations, and treatment options.
- To emphasize the importance of annual influenza vaccination for at-risk populations and healthcare workers.
- To discuss antiviral therapies for influenza A and severe influenza pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of influenza epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities.
- Analysis of current recommendations for influenza prevention and management.
- Discussion of antiviral drugs like amantadine, rimantadine, and ribavirin.
Main Results:
- Influenza A causes more severe illness and mortality compared to B and C subtypes.
- Amantadine and rimantadine are effective for influenza A but not B or C.
- Ribavirin may treat severe influenza pneumonia but lacks FDA approval for this use.
Conclusions:
- Annual influenza vaccination is crucial for individuals at high risk of complications, administered between mid-October and mid-November.
- Vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers and essential community personnel.
- Antiviral prophylaxis and treatment options exist, with specific agents targeting influenza A or severe cases.