MICI: Influenza and RSV Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which influenza virus type is capable of causing pandemics through major genomic changes?

Influenza A (correct)

Influenza B

Neither Influenza A nor B

Both Influenza A and B

What type of mutation is characterized by minor changes in proteins and is responsible for seasonal flu variants?

Genomic Reassortment

Antigenic Drift (correct)

Viral Replication

Antigenic Shift

Which treatment is specifically indicated for high-risk infants with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Antibiotics

Corticosteroids

Passive immunity through monoclonal antibody injections (correct)

Antiviral medications

Which symptom is particularly associated with croup caused by parainfluenza viruses?

Barking cough Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of prevention for the common cold?

Handwashing and avoiding contact with infected surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Influenza B primarily affects which group of individuals?

Only humans Signup and view all the answers

Which influenza treatment can effectively reduce symptom duration if administered early?

Antiviral medications like Oseltamivir Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic accurately describes Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Most common respiratory illness in children Signup and view all the answers

In which way can Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) transmission be reduced in healthcare settings?

Practicing aseptic techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical characteristic of symptoms for a common cold?

Mild symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose Signup and view all the answers

What are some symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, besides fever and cough?

Loss of taste and smell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant preventive measure against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2?

Vaccination Signup and view all the answers

Which virus is primarily associated with causing the most severe respiratory syndrome, such as SARS and MERS?

SARS-CoV-2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT effective in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2?

Sharing drinks Signup and view all the answers

What symptom indicates a potential infection with SARS-CoV-2 aside from respiratory issues?

Loss of taste Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 cases compared to other respiratory viruses?

Higher mutation rates Signup and view all the answers

Which of these respiratory viruses is known for being the most common cause of severe bronchiolitis in infants?

RSV Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes SARS-CoV-2 particularly transmissible among individuals?

Unique genomic structure and adaptability Signup and view all the answers

How has vaccination impacted the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections?

Reduced cases and severity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of transmission for SARS-CoV-2?

Droplet spread from respiratory fluids Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

This quiz covers key information regarding Influenza A and B viruses, including their characteristics, symptoms, and treatment options. Additionally, it touches on the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which notably affects children. Understand the differences, effects, and preventative measures associated with these respiratory viruses.