See also:
     Pneumonia
     Fever in a child less than 30 days old
     Fever in a child 30-90 days old
     Fever in a child greater than 90 days old
Epidemiology
     Epidemics occur in the winter months and may cause up to 40,000 deaths annually in the US
     Elderly people make up more than 90% of the fatalities
Hx
     Abrupt onset of sx
Sx
     URI and LRI symptoms plus systemic effects
     Fever
     Chills
     Malaise
     Myalgias
     Cough
     Coryza
PE
     Febrile
     Wheezes, crackles and coarse breath sounds
Labs
     Leukopenia is common
     Proteinuria may be present
CXR
     May be normal
     May show interstitial or alveolar pattern
Dx
     Nasal swabs for influenza antigens are the fastest way to confirm dx
Tx
     Antiviral tx must be started within 48 hours to be effective
     Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are neuraminidase inhibitors, which are the newest therapies
     Rimantadine and Amatadine are other options, but are only effective against influenza A

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.