Treatment and prophylaxis of influenza
10.5124/jkma.2018.61.1.49
- Author:
Jin Seo LEE
1
Author Information
1. Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. rem324@naver.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Influenza, human;
Therapeutics;
Vaccination
- MeSH:
Adult;
Cough;
Dyspnea;
Fever;
Headache;
Humans;
Hypotension;
Influenza, Human;
Myalgia;
Neuraminidase;
Nose;
Orthomyxoviridae;
Oseltamivir;
Pandemics;
Pharyngitis;
Pneumonia;
Tachycardia;
Vaccination;
Zanamivir
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2018;61(1):49-54
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Each year, it causes a significant disease burden, especially in older adults. Furthermore, influenza pandemics occasionally occur because of antigenic change. Common signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, myalgia, and runny nose. Severe cases may progress to pneumonia, which causes shortness of breath, tachycardia, hypotension, and the need for supportive respiratory interventions. Mild cases are self-limited and supportive care is sufficient. Antiviral treatment shortens the clinical course if it is administered within 48 hours from the onset of disease. Neuraminidase inhibitors, such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir, are widely used. Although annual vaccination is the best means of prevention, its effectiveness can vary from year to year and among different age and risk groups.
