the clinical features prevention & control of Influenza

Q. 40. Write down the clinical features prevention & control of Influenza ?
 Clinical features of Influenza:-
A. Onset :-
- Fever
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Anorexia
- Myalgia.
- Cough (harsh and unproductive).
B. Clinical signs :-
- Fouces hyperaemic. Usually no abnormalities on examination of chest.
C. Course :-
- Acute symptoms subside within 3-5 days when no complications.
 Prevention and control of influenza :-
A. Control measures :-
1. Treatment :-
a. Symptomatic treatment.
(i) Bed rest- till fever subsides.
(ii) Mild analgesic (e,g, paracetamol 0.5-1g oraly 4-6 hourly)- for headache and generalized pain.
(iii) Pholcodine (5-10 mg B-4 times daily) to suppress unproductive cough.
b. Amantadine is approved for both treatment and prevention of influenza A.
c. Specific treatment of complication. (e, g bronchitis, pneumonia), if present.
B. Preventive measures :- The main mode of protection is active immunization by:
1. Inactivated vaccine (composed of killed influenza A and B virus).
- Particularly for people over age 65 years and suffering from chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
[ This vaccine is not a good immunogen, so, yearly boosters are recommended]
2. Split (disrupted) virus vaccine.
- Particularly for children.