Influenza B 1

Running Head: INFLUENZA B

Influenza B

Elisabeth Fandrich

Montana Tech Nursing Department

NURS 1566 Core Concepts of Adult Nursing

March 10, 2008

Noel Mathis RN, BSN, MSN

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Influenza B

There are three different types of Orthomyxoviridae viruses that cause influenza. They are

referred to as A, B and C. These viruses are all composed of a single strand of RNA, and differ

in the number of proteins that surround them. Influenza A has 10 coating proteins, and influenza

B has 11. Influenza A is generally more pathogenic than influenza B. Whereas influenza A

generally appears late in winter or early spring, influenza B can appear at any time. Influenza is

transmitted primarily through airborne droplets. It can be transmitted by surface contact, but this

is less common.

Symptoms appear abruptly between one and seven days after contact with the virus. High fever,

flushing, nausea, fatigue, headache, and chills are common symptoms. Other symptoms include

vomiting, dizziness, nasal congestion, and dry cough. The influenza viruses primarily affect the

respiratory tract.

Diagnosis is based on a nasal swab test (antigen detection test) and supported by physical

examination, blood and sputum cultures and complete blood count (CBC). Often, if the virus is

widespread in the community, diagnosis is based on symptoms alone. H,R,3431, presented to the

emergency room with symptoms of fatigue, confusion, fever, and muscle aches. He was

diagnosed by nasal swab, but blood labs were drawn as well.

Treatment is often supportive for individuals who are normally healthy and have no other health

complications. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms are often

used. For individuals who are less able to tolerate the course of the virus (the elderly, young

children, people who are immunocompromised and individuals with pre-existing health

conditions), administration of either of the anti-virals Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza

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(zanamivir) is recommended. For these medications to be effective, they should be administered

within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. H,R,3431 was taking two different study drugs to treat

Influenza. His condition seemed to improve greatly during his stay in the hospital. It is

unknown if either of the study drugs was the reason for this improvement as either or both of

them could have been a placebo.

The respiratory aspects of the influenza virus increase the risk of developing other respiratory

complications such as sinus infection, pneumonia and bronchitis.

Yearly vaccination is recommended for individuals over 50 years old, young children (six

months to two years), pregnant women, healthcare professionals, residents of long-term care

facilities, people who are immunocompromised, and people who have a heart, lung or kidney

diseases. Vaccines are available in injection form as well as a nasal spray. Although the

treatments available are effective in reducing the severity and duration of the virus, they are not a

substitute for a yearly vaccination. If over-used, the influenza viruses can become resistant and

the medications ineffective.

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Sources

Durlet, MD, Robert (2007, September, 25). Influenza. eMedicine from webMD, Retrieved March

10, 2008, from http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC1170.HTM

Lentnek, MD, A (2007). The Flu. In Medline Plus [Web]. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of

Medicine. Retrieved March 10, 2008, from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000080.htm