Question

(For full credit) In your own words, explain the diagnostic tests used for influenza and why they are important (in addition to knowing what the patient has)? (References still required)

Answer 1

A. DESCRIPTION.

1, Also known as the flu,highly contagious acute viral respiratory infection.

2, May be caused by several viruses, usually known as types A ,B and C.

3 ,Yearly vaccination is recommended to prevent the disease, especially for those older than 50 years of age, individuals with chronic illnesses or who are immunocompromised, those living in institutions,and health care personnel providing direct care to clients ( the vaccination is contraindicated in the individual with egg allergies).

4, Additional prevention measures include avoiding those who developed influenza, frequent and proper hand washing,and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that have become contaminated with secretions.

5, Avian influenza A (H5N1).

# Affects birds,does not usually affect humans; however,human cases have been reported in some countries.

# An H5N1 vaccine has been developed for use if a pandemic virus were to emerge.

# Reported symptoms are similar to those associated with influenza types,A,B ,and C.

# Prevention measures include through cooking of poultry products,avoding contact with wild animals, frequent and proper hand washing and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that have become contaminated with secretions.

B. ASSESSMENT.

√, Acute onset of fever and muscle aches.

√, Headache.

√, Fatigue, weakness, anorexia.

√,Sore throat, cough, and rhinorrhea.

C. INTERVENTIONS.

Encourage rest.

Encourage fluids to prevent pulmonary complications (unless contraindicated).

Monitor lung sounds.

Provide supportive therapy such as antipyretics or antitussives as indicated.

Administer antiviral medications as prescribed for current strain of influenza.

LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS.

Since clinical diagnosis is difficult expect during epedemics, laboratory methods are needed to confirm the diagnosis.These are (a) VIRUS ISOLATION: Nasopharyngeal secretions are the best specimens for obtaining large amounts of virus- infected cells .The virus can be detected by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique.

(b),PAIRED SERA: A Serodiagnosis of influenza A or B can be made by the examination of two serum specimens from a patient,one taken as early as possible in the acute phase of disease (not later than the fifth day), and another taken 10-14 days after the onset, i.e., convalescent stage of illness.The tire of influenza antibodies in the human sera is so variable that only by detecting a rise in complement-fixing ( CF) antibodies in the course of illness can a diagnosis be established,hence the need for two specimens.

Fourfold or greater rise in titre are considered diagnostic of infection.At least 2 ml, preferably 5ml ,of each serum should be sent,the serum being removed from the clot before despatch. The two sera should be sent together to the testing laboratory (the first serum should be kept in the refrigerator till the second is available to send with it). Six pairs of sera from anyone locality will suffice, unless the testing laboratory asks for more. Serological examination is fairly satisfactory but slower,and does not provide information about the new strains which are wanted for study in relation to the spread of disease.