MICI: Influenza and RSV Overview

Influenza Viruses

• Influenza A and B are respiratory viruses that cause seasonal flu.
• Influenza A affects both humans and animals, while Influenza B only affects humans.
• Influenza A is capable of antigenic drift and shift, while Influenza B only undergoes antigenic drift.
• Antigenic drift involves minor mutations leading to yearly flu variations.
• Antigenic shift involves major genomic changes, potentially leading to pandemics, and occurs only in Influenza A.
• Symptoms of influenza include fever, sore throat, congestion, muscle pain, headache, and cough.
• Antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Zanamivir can reduce symptom duration if administered early.
• Vaccination is recommended and includes two types of Influenza A and two types of Influenza B.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• RSV is the most common respiratory illness in children, particularly severe in infants and immunocompromised individuals.
• Symptoms include fever, runny nose, and cough, and can cause bronchiolitis in children.
• Transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals.
• Aseptic techniques in healthcare settings can help prevent spread.
• Supportive care is the main treatment for symptoms.
• High-risk infants may receive passive immunity through injections of monoclonal antibody (palivizumab).

Parainfluenza Viruses

• Parainfluenza viruses are the leading cause of croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) affecting the lower respiratory tract.
• Croup symptoms include barking cough and difficulty breathing, typically seen in children during fall and winter.
• Diagnosis is often based on symptoms, and supportive care is the main treatment.

Common Cold Viruses (Rhinovirus, Coronavirus)

• Common cold viruses cause mild symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and cough, typically without fever.
• These viruses are highly prevalent and spread through respiratory droplets and fomites.
• Handwashing and avoiding contact with infected surfaces are essential preventive measures.
• Antibiotics are ineffective as colds are viral.

Coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2

• Coronaviruses cause severe respiratory syndrome in some cases, like SARS and MERS.
• Symptoms include high fever, shortness of breath, and dry cough, which can lead to pneumonia.
• SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, shares similar symptoms with additional loss of taste and smell.
• Vaccination has significantly reduced the number and severity of infections.
• Transmission occurs through droplets, and masks, hand hygiene, and vaccination are crucial preventive measures.