Influenza Summary of Clinical Findings

1 Influenza Clinical Findings Influenza is an infectious condition caused by viruses. This condition is spread through tiny droplets released by infected persons while talking or sneezing (Louten, 2022). Contact with contaminated surfaces also exposes healthy persons to the risk of contracting flu. Most people, who contract this condition, report having been in close contact with a recently diagnosed person. This condition affects all parts of the respiratory system, including the nose, lungs, airways, and throat. Influenza resolves after a few days for most people (Holmes et al., 2017).

However, some people, including those with poor immunity, and underlying health conditions, may develop pneumonia, worsening chronic conditions, and ear infections (Louten, 2022). In severe cases, these complications might lead to death. The severity of influenza depends on a person's immunity, age, and health.

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2 Key Clinical Findings from Subjective History Individuals with the flu present in a healthcare facility complaining of fever, muscular aches, fatigue, and chills. Other subjective influenza findings include a sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, and nasal congestion. The client might also complain of malaise, mild headache, post-nasal drip, and non-productive cough (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021).

Their appetite also drops, and they may experience abdominal symptoms like vomiting and queasy stomach. Individuals with flu tend to complain of abdominal muscle aches due to persistent coughing (Nypaver et al., 2021). They also have a metallic taste in their mouth besides losing the sense of smell.

Key Clinical Findings from Objective History The objective findings of influenza include edematous nasal mucosa, tachypnea, erythematous bilateral tympanic membrane, and tachycardia. A patient might also have tender maxillary and frontal sinuses and fever. Their bilateral tympanic membranes appear distorted and the sinuses are erythematous (Nypaver et al., 2021). The client might also experience inflammation of the tonsils, erythematous pharynx, and yellow nasal discharge.

Diagnostic Tests Influenza symptoms resemble other respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, and mononucleosis. Therefore, the clinician must perform the necessary tests to make an accurate diagnosis. A rapid influenza test is an accurate diagnostic test for flu.

This test helps detect influenza A and B antigens in swab samples taken from the nose and throat (Gaitonde et al., 2019). Clinicians also perform physical examinations to identify the symptoms typical of this disease. Molecular assays like reverse transcriptase-PCR, rapid molecular assay and antigen detection tests might also help clinicians diagnose influenza (Trabattoni et al., 2018).

3 Viral culture and serologic testing could also help in a flu diagnosis. However, viral culture is not preferred in clinical settings since it takes about 3 to 10 days to generate results.

Initial Management Care providers develop a comprehensive treatment plan comprising different treatment options for influenza. Mostly, clinicians use influenza antiviral medications to treat this condition. These medications reduce flu symptoms severity and shorten the illness period by about two days (The Committee on Infectious Diseases, 2020). They also protect the patient from severe flu complications. Clinicians also give antihistamines to patients to relieve nasal discharge, sneezing, and other allergic symptoms (Nypaver et al., 2021). Cough suppressants are also included in the treatment plan to relieve cough. Clinicians encourage patients to engage in self-care activities such as practicing good hygiene, drinking sufficient fluids, and eating healthy foods. However, the Committee on Infectious Diseases (2020) recommends an annual flu vaccine for people at risk of contracting flu infections.

4 References American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Red Book: 2021-2024 Report of the committee on infectious diseases. American Academy of Pediatrics.

Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2020). Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2020–2021. Pediatrics, 146(4). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020024588 Gaitonde, D. Y., Moore, F. C., & Morgan, M. K. (2019). Influenza: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician, 100(12), 751-758. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1215/p751.html Holmes, K. K., Bertozzi, S., Bloom, B. R., Jha, P., & World Bank Group. (2017). Major infectious diseases. World Bank Group Louten, J., (2022). Essential Human Virology. Elsevier Academic Press.

Nypaver, C., Dehlinger, C., & Carter, C. (2021). Influenza and influenza vaccine: a review. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 66(1), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13203 Trabattoni, E., Le, V., Pilmis, B., de Ponfilly, G. P., Caisso, C., Couzigou, C., ... & Van, J. N. (2018). Implementation of Alere I Influenza A & B point of care test for the diagnosis of influenza in an ED. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 36(6), 916-921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2017.10.046