Pulmonology focuses on diagnosing and treating lung and airway conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, as well as overall respiratory health.
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The management of influenza involves a multifaceted approach centering on antiviral therapy to halt viral replication and supportive care to manage symptoms and complications. The primary goal is to shorten the duration of illness, reduce symptom severity, and prevent serious complications such as hospitalization and death. Treatment decisions are guided by disease severity, patient risk factors, and time elapsed since symptom onset. At Liv Hospital, we prioritize early intervention and personalized care plans, ensuring that high-risk patients receive aggressive therapy while providing comprehensive supportive guidance for uncomplicated cases.
Secondary bacterial pneumonia is a leading cause of influenza-related mortality. Management involves prompt recognition and antibiotic therapy.
For most patients, supportive care is the primary treatment modality.
Antiviral drugs are the cornerstone of specific influenza treatment. They work by interfering with the viral replication cycle.
Neuraminidase Inhibitors
This class of drugs blocks the viral neuraminidase enzyme, preventing the release of new viral particles from infected cells.
Cap-dependent Endonuclease Inhibitors
Baloxavir marboxil represents a newer class of antivirals. It works by inhibiting the polymerase acidic endonuclease, an enzyme essential for viral RNA synthesis. It is a single-dose oral medication, offering a compliance advantage. It stops viral replication earlier in the cycle compared to neuraminidase inhibitors and rapidly reduces viral load.
Adamantanes
Older drugs like amantadine and rimantadine target the M2 ion channel of influenza A. However, due to widespread resistance among circulating influenza A viruses and their lack of activity against influenza B, they are currently not recommended for clinical use.
Severe influenza requires inpatient management.
Specific groups require tailored management strategies.
The emergence of antiviral resistance is a continuous threat. Public health agencies monitor circulating strains for reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors and baloxavir. Clinicians must be aware of local resistance patterns. If a patient fails to respond to therapy or deteriorates while on treatment, infection with a resistant virus or a different pathogen should be considered.
Managing influenza involves preventing its spread within the hospital.
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No, antibiotics kill bacteria and are useless against the influenza virus; they are only prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, develops.
Antivirals are most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms; however, in severe cases, they may be started later to prevent complications.
Most mild cases can be treated at home with rest, fluids, and fever reducers; medical attention is needed only for severe symptoms or high-risk individuals.
Giving aspirin to children with viral infections like the flu is linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition affecting the liver and brain.
Baloxavir is a single-dose pill, which is more convenient than the multi-day course of Oseltamivir, and it reduces the viral load very quickly.
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