Introduction Influenza

Influenza Prevention
Vaccination
Infection Control
Conclusion

The flu virus is an
RNA virus
The genome codes
for five viral proteins
and is made of
eight fragments.
The virus has a lipid
envelope with two
glycoproteins
present

The cause of influenza is the influenza
virus.
Influenza A, B and C viruses are found
Influenza A viruses are associated with
serious illness and pandemics

direct transmission
(direct contact)
the airborne route
(inhalation)
through hand-to-eye,
hand-to-nose, or hand-
to-mouth transmission
Reservoirs of infection
are primarily humans,
but birds and pigs can
act as reservoirs.

Public education campaigns are used
to reduce infection rates
Isolation of infected people is
desirable but not always practical
Immunisation (Vaccination)

The vaccine is composed of inactivated organisms
from several virus strains which scientists attempt to
include the most recent mutation.
Typically 67% to 92% effective.
Two different influenza vaccines are available
during the 2009-2010 season
seasonal (trivalent: A (H3N2), A (H1N1), B)
monovalent A (H1N1)
Vaccination with one will NOT produce immunity to
the viruses in the other

Inactivated
Influenza Vaccine





Intramuscular Only
Live Attenuated
Influenza Vaccine







Intranasal only
Dermis
Fatty tissue
(subQ)
Muscle tissue
90 Angle
Inactivated
Influenza
Vaccine is
Administered by
the Intramuscular
Route
Inflammation at the injection site to mild
flu symptoms
Soreness at the injection site
Body aches, headache, and a low-
grade fever

Pregnant women
Older adults
Young children
Chronic medical conditions can also increase your risk
of influenza complications
Asthma
Cerebral palsy
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cystic fibrosis
Epilepsy
HIV-AIDS
Kidney or liver disease
Muscular dystrophy
Obesity
Sickle cell disease

the neuraminidase inhibitors,
zanamivir and oseltamivir - active
against both influenza A and influenza B

the adamantanes, amantadine and
rimantadine, which are only active
against influenza A.

not a substitute for inuenza vaccination
can be considered for high-risk persons
during the 2 weeks after vaccination
before an adequate immune response
to inactivated vaccine develops

frequent handwashing with soap and water
at least 15 seconds
alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap
and water are not available
Cover your mouth and nose while coughing
or sneezing
throw away dirty tissues immediately
Keep hands off the face and avoid
touching eyes, nose and mouth
Face mask might help prevent transmission

Surface sanitizing
Hospitals - quaternary ammonium
compounds and bleach
(sanitize rooms or equipment that have
been occupied by patients with
influenza symptoms)

Home - diluted chlorine bleach.

Prevention is better than cure!
Avoid contact with infected
people.