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Influenza: Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
- A medical history and physical examination are the first steps.
Influenza typically has few physical symptoms and, in mild cases,
may be indistinguishable from common colds. Individuals with symptoms
of lung infection, such as shortness of breath, should be evaluated
for pneumonia. Persons who appear seriously ill may require hospitalization
and antibiotic treatment when bacterial pneumonia or severe infection
is suspected.
- Rapid influenza tests that identify the influenza
virus are often used for diagnosis.
- If pneumonia or other lung
diseases are suspected, chest X–ray, blood tests, and cultures
may be recommended.
Treatment
- Preventive measures to avoid infection include covering the mouth
and nose when coughing and sneezing, washing hands appropriately,
and avoiding touching one’s eyes and nose.
- Vaccines do not
always prevent influenza and will not protect against new strains
of avian influenza. However, annual vaccines theoretically help
prevent epidemics by reducing the possibility that individuals
can be simultaneously infected with a typical seasonal influenza
virus and avian influenza, a scenario that can lead to the development
of new viral strains. Exercise (more than 20 minutes, three times
per week) appears to improve vaccine response, particularly in
the elderly. In addition, some evidence suggests that stress–management
interventions can produce better response to the flu vaccination.
- Antivirals,
if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, may decrease
the length of illness. The following antivirals may reduce symptoms
and shorten the course of disease: Amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir
(Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and probenicid.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol),
aspirin, and ibuprofen may improve symptoms, particularly fever
and muscle aches. However, aspirin should never be used in children
with viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s
syndrome, a deadly disease that primarily affects the brain and
liver.
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