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Influenza

Alice Yang, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Acute, typically self-limited, febrile infection caused by orthomyxovirus influenza types A and B marked by inflammation of nasal mucosa, pharynx, conjunctiva, and respiratory tract 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS

Look for: 
  • Systemic symptoms

  • Cough

  • Not being able to cope with daily activities

  • Being confined to bed

HISTORY

Sudden onset of: 
  • Fever (37.7–40.0°C), especially within 3 days of illness onset

  • Anorexi...

TREATMENT

  • Symptomatic treatment (saline nasal spray, analgesic gargle, antipyretics, analgesics)

  • Cool-mist or ultrasonic humidifier to increase moisture of inspired air

  • Counsel on droplet precautions: w...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Mild cases: follow-up typically not required

  • Moderate or severe cases: follow up until symptoms and any secondary sequelae resolve.

PROGNOSIS

Good 

COMPLICATIONS

  • Sepsi...

REFERENCES

1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Background and Epidemiology. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/background-epidemiology.htm. Published September 10, 2019. Accessed Janu...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD10

  • J10.08 Influenza due to other identified influenza virus with other specified pneumonia

  • J11.89 Influenza due to unidentified influenza virus with other manifestations

  • J10.81 Influenza due to ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Influenza is an acute, (typically) self-limited, febrile infection caused by influenza virus types A and B.

  • All persons >6 months should be vaccinated against influenza on an annual ...

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