Respiratory Viruses

Questions and Answers

What is a concern regarding changes in type A influenza viruses?

Causing another major pandemic

Influenza viruses are primarily spread through:

Respiratory droplets and on soiled hands

What is the role of neuraminidase inhibitors in the treatment of influenza?

To reduce the duration of symptoms

What is the efficacy of the quadrivalent vaccine in preventing hospitalization and pneumonia?

50-60% Signup and view all the answers

What is a virulence factor of the influenza virus?

Its ability to cause damage to the lung epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Why is annual re-vaccination with the quadrivalent vaccine required?

Because the vaccine only provides protection when there is a good match with circulating viruses Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical mode of transmission of coronaviruses?

Respiratory droplets Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of diagnosis for coronavirus respiratory syndromes?

Signs and symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the common outcome of SARS and MERS if left untreated?

Pneumonia and respiratory failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines?

To prevent serious outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical signs and symptoms of coronavirus respiratory syndromes?

High fever, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the causative agent of SARS and MERS?

Coronaviruses Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of influenza in children?

Croup Signup and view all the answers

Who benefits most from influenza vaccination?

Elderly, especially in residential care units Signup and view all the answers

What is a common secondary bacterial infection complication of influenza?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What is a chronic condition that increases the risk of influenza complications?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

What is a common underlying condition in patients who are hospitalized or die due to influenza?

Chronic heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct viral effect of influenza in the lower respiratory tract?

Primary influenza pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

Which group is at high risk for influenza complications and hospitalization?

Elderly, especially in residential care units Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of influenza in individuals with hemoglobin disorders?

Heart failure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Coronavirus Respiratory Syndromes

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are two emerging diseases
Signs and symptoms include high fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and later, dry cough and pneumonia
Coronaviruses are the causative agent, with most diseases being mild, but SARS and MERS having higher fatalities
The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and can spread from the lungs to the heart and kidneys
Diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms, confirmed by isolating the virus or antibodies against the virus
Treatment is supportive, and prevention is key to preventing serious outcomes, with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines being effective

Influenza

Pathogenesis and Epidemiology

Influenza virus causes damage to the lung epithelium, making patients susceptible to secondary bacterial infections
Infection provides some immunological protection from similar strains, but changes in type A influenza viruses may cause another major pandemic
The virus spreads usually by respiratory droplets and on soiled hands

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Signs and symptoms during a community-wide outbreak are often diagnostic
Treatment involves supportive care to relieve symptoms, with neuraminidase inhibitors reducing duration of symptoms
Prevention is achieved through immunization with a multivalent vaccine, with efficacy varying by age group (60-80% in healthy young adults, 20-30% in the elderly, and 50-60% in preventing hospitalization and pneumonia)
Annual re-vaccination is required for protection, which is only effective when there is a good match with circulating viruses

Complications and Vaccination Benefits

Complications include lower respiratory tract infections, secondary bacterial infections, and heart failure
Elderly individuals, especially those in residential care units, and patients with chronic respiratory disease, chronic heart disease, immuno-suppression, and hematological disorders benefit most from vaccination
Vaccination can prevent hospitalization and pneumonia in these groups

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Description

Learn about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), their causes, symptoms, transmission, and diagnosis.