FORMAT: I.

Name of the disease:

Influenza

II. Description of the disease:

Influenza. The influenza virus consists of eight RNA strands, helically wound and enclosed in a capsid. The virus has an envelope with spikes containing hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Variations in the chemical character of the spikes account for the different forms and strains of influenza virus. The viruses are grouped as types A, B, and C and have names such as A(H2N4). Influenza is accompanied by characteristic respiratory symptoms and muscle aches. Although the disease is rarely fatal, secondary bacterial infections may be a cause of death, and antibiotics may be given as precautionary measures. The drug amantadine has been found to lessen the symptoms of influenza, especially when used early in the infection.

III. Causative agent: caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae,

the influenza viruses

a. Description of the causative agent: Genome: 8-strand segmented (-) sense RNA Enveloped

Spikes:

-Hemagglutinin (H) -Neuraminidase (N) Attachment: through hemagglutinin Replication: in the nucleus

b. Image of the causative agent:

c. Morphology (shape, arrangement & structure): Structure:

Shape: sperical shaped

Arrangement: chain

IV. Mode of transmission a. Drawing (cycle, diagram on how infection occurs): Infection of the cells lining URT, trachea and bronchi Viral replication Budding Cell death _ Sloughing of the cells _ Breakdown products enter the bloodstream Systemic Symptoms Secondary bacterial infection major cause of death

b. Explanation of that mode of transmission:

linfluenza virus may be transmitted among humans in three ways: (1) by direct contact with infected individuals; (2) by contact with contaminated objects (called fomites, such as toys, doorknobs); and (3) by inhalation of virus-laden aerosols. The contribution of each mode to overall transmission of influenza is not known. However, CDC recommendations to control influenza virus transmission in health care settings include measures that minimize spread by aerosol and fomite mechanisms.

c. Incubation period:
begins the day before symptoms appear and virus is then released for between 5 to 7 days, although some people may shed virus for longer periods. People who contract influenza are most infective between the second and third days after infection.

d. Laboratory examination (what lab exam will confirm the presence of disease) Lab exam Rationale Confirmatory results

Rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT)

It can help differentiate influenza from other viral and bacterial infections with similar symptoms that may be serious and must be treated differently. Rapid flu tests are best used within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to help diagnose influenza and determine whether or not antiviral drugs are a treatment option, Sometimes rapid tests are ordered to help identify outbreaks.

If a flu test is positive, it means that the affected person most likely has influenza A or B.

e. Signs and symptoms: Adults: Shivering, fever, headache, myalgia, sore throat, cough Fever 38-40 C Cough persists 1-2 weeks

Children: Symptoms similar to adults

Fever higher , febrile seizures

Non-pulmonary complications

f. Intervention Medical intervention (medication or therapy as needed):

1. Amantadine and rimantadine _ inhibit un-coating of influenza A 2. Zanamivir and oseltamivir _ inhibit neuraminidase of both influenza A and B viruses 3. Influenza A and B Vaccines Nursing management (independent)

1. Advised to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco and, if necessary, take medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) to relieve the fever and muscle aches associated with the flu

g. Rehabilitation: The two classes of antiviral drugs used against influenza:

Neuraminidase inhibitors
Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). These drugs may be effective against both influenza A and B. however the confidence of the research community in this conclusion is low as much of the trial data remains unpublished. Different strains of influenza viruses have differing degrees of resistance against these antivirals, and it is impossible to predict what degree of

resistance a future pandemic strain might have. The FDA deems their effect to be modest.

M2 inhibitors
The antiviral drugs amantadine and rimantadine block a viral ion channel (M2 protein) and prevent the virus from infecting cells. These drugs are sometimes effective against influenza A if given early in the infection but are always ineffective against influenza B because B viruses do not possess M2 molecules, Measured resistance to amantadine and rimantadine in American isolates of H3N2 has increased to 91% in 2005. This high level of resistance may be due to the easy availability of amantadines as part of over-the-counter cold remedies in countries such as China and Russia, and their use to prevent outbreaks of influenza in farmed poultry. The CDC recommended against using M2 inhibitors during the 200506 influenza season due to high levels of drug resistance.

h. Resources/references:

Google home

http://www.google.com.ph Virology Blog

http://www.virology.ws/2009/04/29/influenza-virus-transmission/ Burtons microbiology in health sciences (Book) Cliffs notes

http://www.cliffsnotes.com Microbiologybytes

http://www.microbiologybytes.com/virology/Orthomyxoviruses.ht ml