Incubation period 1-4 days. Infectious period from day before symptoms appear, to 5 days after symptoms appear. Virus shedding can persist for months in immunocompromised (as other viruses).
Main types A and B. B shows antigenic drift, with minor variations over time. A shows antigenic shift, with appearance of new N type usually associated with global pandemic eg Spanish flu. Influenza viruses circulate through birds and pigs, so new types typically occur through reassortment of genes across different species (Chinese food markets are a perfect petri dish).
Case definition
At least one of these systemic symptoms: Fever (or feverishness), malaise, headache, myalgia;
PLUS at least one of these respiratory symptoms: cough, sore throat (!), shortness of breath.
Transmission
- Large droplet eg sneezing, range only a metre or so.
- Direct/indirect contact eg sneezing into hands, and then to surfaces. Survive at least 24 hrs in environment.
- Aerosol generating procedures can produce small droplets with further range (how far?). Includes intubation, extubation, open suctioning, CPAP/HFOV/BiPAP, CPR. NOT high flow O2 or nebs.
Prevention is therefore by good hygiene viz covering nose and mouth during coughing/sneezing, wiping with disposable tissues, avoiding touching nose/eyes/mouth, washing hands (alcohol gel adequate if hands visibly clean); and immunisation.
For close patient contact, aprons, masks, gloves recommended. Similarly, consider eye protection.
For aerosol generating procedures, FFP3 (filter face piece, efficiency grade 3) masks required. Such masks can be worn for up to 8 hours if necessary. Fluid repellent gowns if extensive secretions or bodily fluids anticipated.
Complications
- Pneumonia, ARDS
- Meningitis/encephalitis
- Myositis and rhabdomyolysis leading to kidney failure (esp flu B)
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Peri/myocarditis
- Reyes syndrome (liver failure and encephalitis, also associated with aspirin)
- Encephalitis lethargica? Epidemic around time of Spanish influenza pandemic
Vaccination
See immunisation. Antigenic drift means new influenza vaccines need to be developed each year, reflecting the common serotypes affecting people in other parts of the world who have already had their winter.
2021 metanalysis (37 studies) found immunisation in children was 53.3% effective against hospitalization (68.7% vs flu A/H1N1pdm09 specifically).
Only 44.3% for live-attenuated influenza vaccines cf 68.9% for inactivated vaccines.
2017 metanalysis: similar effectiveness vs asthma ED visits.
Long list of people at higher risk eg chronic cardiac/respiratory conditions. Includes pregnant women. See Green book on immunizations.
Nasal (live) and injectable (inactivated) vaccines available.
Treatment
See Influenza treatment.