INFLUENZA

on

Another name for influenza is flu. It is a respiratory illness caused by av virus.

CAUSATIVE AGENT: Influenza is caused by a group of viruses called myxoviruses. There are 3 types of viruses namely Influenza;
  • Type A
  • Type B
  • Type C
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Transmission is by close contact or droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected person.



PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
  1. The influenza virus is airborne and multiplies in the upper respiratory tract.
  2.  They invade the nasal, tracheal and bronchial mucosal cells.
  3. The virus damages the ciliated epithelium of thr tracheobronchial tree, rendering the patient vulnerable to development of secondary infection/ invaders such as pneumococci, staphylococci, haemophilus influenzae, streptococci and other organisms.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS 
  • Headache
  • Nausea 
  • Loos of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Fever (It usually goes up to 39 - 40 degree Celsius, remits for 2 to 3 days with chills and shivering but no rigour)
  • Face is flushed
  • Red eyes
  • Rapid pulse  
  • Harsh unproductive cough
  • Prostration (The state of being extremely weak or emotionally exhausted)
MANAGEMENT
There is no specific treatment for influenza. Management consists of symptomatic therapy at home; 
  • Bed rest
  • Fluid replacement therapy 
  • Analgesics to subside pain
  • Cough syrup to relieve cough
  • Nasal spray
  • Vaporizer 

Thanks for reading. Please like and share
powered by iCare- Gh Foundation

Comments

Post a Comment