Wednesday 21 January 2015

INFLUENZA (GRIPPE OR FLU)

INFLUENZA
INFLUENZA

INFLUENZA [GRIPPE OR FLU]
Influenza is an acute usually self-limiting febrile contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by myxovirus influenzae.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Influenza can be transmitted through droplet infection or contact with contaminated objects such as drinking cup or inhalation of infected droplets during coughing, sneezing and talking.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
TYPES-OF-INFLUENZA
TYPES OF INFLUENZA

On entering the respiratory tract, the influenza virus irritates the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract causing inflammation and desquamation, resulting in sudden onset of chills, malaise and other symptoms. Influenza occurs in isolated cases of epidemics and pandemics [spreading over wide area, worldwide]. Three groups of influenza virus have been identified namely; types A, B and C.
Type A; this has the highest incidence of influenza case, and has subtypes that cause periodic epidemics every third year . Its incubation period is 24-48 hours.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA
SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOMS

1.       Fever [chills] [38.3-40]
2.       Headache
3.       Malaise
4.       Myalgia [pain in muscles] back and limbs
5.       Dry, non productive cough
6.       Anorexia s
7.       Nausea and Vomiting
8.       Sometimes the patient may suffer [Laryngitis, hoarseness, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and rhinorrhoea]
SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOMS



DIAGNOSIS
1.       Throat and nose culture
2.       Full blood count
3.       Observation of signs and symptoms

MANAGEMENT; MEDICAL
INFLUENZA-VACCINE
INFLUENZA VACCINE

No specific management is required; mainly symptomatic.
1.       Annual influenza vaccine
2.       People who are allergic to eggs, feathers and chicken should always avoid them
3.       Amantadine can be given to reduce duration of symptoms
4.       Aspirin or acetaminophen to relief fever and muscle pain
5.       Expectorants- for cough

NURSING MANAGEMENT
USE-TISSUE-WHEN-SNEEZING
USE TISSUE WHEN SNEEZING

1.       Ensure patent has adequate bed rest
2.       Give copious fluids [2-3L daily] to liquefy bronchial secretion
3.       Administer  oxygen 2-3L PRN
4.       Ensure oral hygiene to improve patient appetite  [give mouth wash]
5.       Warm  bath and  compresses are given to relief muscle pain
6.       Barrier nursing and reverse barrier to prevent client from infection and visitors  from infection from clients.
7.       Teach proper hand washing and disposal of secretion [disinfect before  disposal]
8.       Educate patient on immunization against influenza
9.       Teach breathing and coughing exercises
10.   Observe and report for signs and symptoms of pneumonia

 OTHER RELATED CONDITIONS
Common cold
Avian influenza
Fever
Pneumonia
Swine influenza

I HUMBLY ASK YOU NOT TO KEEP THIS KNOWLEDGE TO YOURSELF ALONE, HOWEVER, SHARE ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIAS FOR YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS, SCHOOL MATES AND EVERYBODY WHO IS CLOSE TO YOU





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