CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

FIAPRE –SUNYANI

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

COURSE TITLE: MEDICAL NURSING 1
PROGRAM: BSc NURSING
COURSE CODE : HNUR 207
LECTURER: MR STANLEY DOE
GROUPTHREE(3)
 General Nursing level 200

GROUP 3 MEMBERS

 Aggrey Whitney – UGR0502324011

 Afrane Blessing Ehi – UGR0502323877
 Grace Amanianpong – UGR0502323873
 Arepuo Pamela – UGR0502323939
 Ebelamu Paul Jesulayomi – UGR0502313693
 Agwa Daniella Chisom – UGR0502312948
 Bonsu Emmanuella Serwaah – UGR0502312926
 Ntow Theophila Sarfoa – UGR0502324397
 Adomah Gyamfi Mary – UGR0502324377
 Abdul-Gafaru Awusi – UGR0502313176
 Pomah Kate – UGR050241541
 Adu-Nti Bertina Bommo – UGR0502324058
 OBJECTIVE

 At the end of this lesson or presentation, students will be able to:

 Understand the term influenza.

 Describe the incidence and prevalence of influenza
 Identify and explain the causative organism of influenza
 List and explain the predisposing factors that increase the risk of influenza
 Describe the mode of transmission of influenza
 State the incubation period of influenza
 Explain the life cycle of the influenza virus, including its entry into host cells,
replication, and spread, and its role in infection progression.
 Describe the pathophysiology of influenza
 Identify the clinical features and symptoms of influenza
 Outline the diagnostic methods for detecting influenza
 Summarize the medical treatment options for influenza
 Explain the nursing care interventions for influenza
 Discuss the preventive strategies for influenza
 Identify potential complications of influenza
 INFLUENZA

Definition
The term influenza refers to a highly contagious viral disease that is caused by influenza
virus and affects the respiratory system Influenza can range from a mild, self-limiting
illness to a severe, life-threatening condition, particularly in vulnerable groups like the
elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.
Incidence
Influenza is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people each year.
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza causes about
3-5 million cases of severe illness annually, with 290,000 to 650,000 influenza-related
respiratory deaths worldwide. Epidemics generally occur seasonally, with a peak during
the winter in temperate climates. In tropical regions, influenza can occur year-round,
often peaking during rainy seasons.
 Cause / Causative Organism
The primary causative agents of influenza are influenza viruses, classified into
three main types: A, B, and C.
Type A: Most virulent, often causes pandemics due to its ability to infect humans
and animals (like birds and pigs), facilitating new strain development.
Type B: Only affects humans, typically causing seasonal epidemics. It’s less
common than Type A and usually results in milder disease.
Type C: Causes mild respiratory infections and does not lead to epidemics
The influenza virus can rapidly mutate, particularly Type A, which undergoes
antigenic shifts and drifts. This constant evolution explains why annual flu
vaccines are needed and why past infections may not confer complete immunity
to new strains.
 Predisposing Factors
Certain groups are at increased risk for severe influenza infection, including:
Age: Young children, older adults (65+), and infants are at higher risk due to less
robust immune systems.
Chronic Health Conditions: Individuals with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or
compromised immune systems are more likely to develop complications.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters, have
altered immune responses, increasing susceptibility.
Lifestyle and Environment: Close contact with infected individuals in crowded or
closed environments (e.g., schools, nursing homes) can elevate the risk of
transmission.
Obesity: Obesity can impair immune response and heighten the risk of severe illness.
Genetics: Genetic factors can influence the body’s response to influenza.
 Mode of Transmission
Influenza spreads primarily through droplet transmission. When an infected person
coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release droplets that can land in the mouths or
noses of people nearby or be inhaled into their lungs.

Surface Transmission: The virus can survive on surfaces for a limited time, meaning
individuals can contract the virus by touching contaminated objects (like doorknobs
or countertops) and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Incubation Period
The incubation period for influenza is typically 1-4 days after exposure, with an
average of about 2 days. This is the timeframe from viral exposure to the onset of
symptoms. During this period, the infected individual may already be contagious
before any symptoms appear, facilitating silent spread.
 Life Cycle
The influenza virus begins by attaching itself to epithelial cells in the respiratory tract.
The virus then enters the host cell and hijacks its machinery to replicate. Newly formed
viruses exit the cell, infecting neighboring cells and causing extensive cell damage.
The Immune system responds by producing inflammation and other immune responses,
resulting in symptoms like fever, sore throat, and muscle aches. This cycle continues
until the immune system or antiviral medications interrupt viral replication.

Pathophysiology
Influenza primarily targets the respiratory tract’s epithelial cells, causing cellular
destruction and inflammatory responses.
1. Viral Entry and Replication: The influenza virus enters the respiratory tract and
attaches
epithelial cells using its hemagglutinin (HA) protein.
Immune Response: The body’s immune system responds to the infection by releasing
cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. This immune response can cause
symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Cellular Damage: The destruction of respiratory cells impairs mucociliary clearance,
increasing susceptibility to secondary infections.
Inflammation: The immune system releases cytokines and other mediators,
which contribute to systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle
pain. Severe immune responses may lead to complications like acute
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
 Clinical Features/ Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Fever and chills: Usually a sudden onset of high fever, one of the hallmark signs.
Respiratory symptoms: Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
Muscle or body aches: Generalized pain and weakness, often accompanied by joint
pain.
Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion, which can last several days.
Headache: Often accompanies fever.
Symptoms vary in severity, and while most recover within a week, some individuals
experience severe symptoms leading to complications.
 Diagnostic Investigation
Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): These detect antigens
quickly (within 15 minutes) but have lower sensitivity and
specificity compared to other methods.

PCR Testing: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction

(RT-PCR) tests are more accurate and can identify specific virus
strains but may take several hours to get results.

Viral Culture: Although accurate, this method is less commonly

used because it takes longer to yield results.
 Medical Treatment

Antiviral Medications: Drugs like oseltamivir

(Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can reduce
symptom duration and severity if administered
within 48 hours of symptom onset. Antivirals are
especially important for high-risk patients.

Symptomatic Treatment: Over-the-counter

medications, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen,
help alleviate fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Hydration and rest are also crucial for recovery.

Hydration: Flu can lead to dehydration, especially

with fever, so patients are encouraged to drink
fluids.
 Nursing Care

Observation: Regular monitoring of vital signs, oxygen levels, and the patient’s overall
status to identify complications early.

Psychological Support: Given the distressing symptoms and potential complications, nurses
provide reassurance and emotional support.

Personal Hygiene: Ensure frequent handwashing and respiratory etiquette to reduce

transmission.

Rest and Sleep: Encourage sufficient rest to support the immune system in fighting the
infection.

Nutrition: Nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods are recommended to support recovery.

Health Education: Educate the patient and family members on the importance of
 Preventions
Vaccination: Annual flu vaccines are recommended for
almost everyone above six months of age. The vaccine
formulation is updated yearly based on the strains
predicted to circulate in the upcoming flu season.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette: Regular
handwashing and covering the mouth when coughing or
sneezing can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Isolation and Social Distancing: Avoiding close contact with

infected individuals and self-isolating when symptoms arise
helps contain spread.
 Complications

Primary Viral Pneumonia: A severe condition directly caused by influenza

virus infection of lung tissue, leading to severe respiratory distress.

Secondary Bacterial Infections: The destruction of respiratory epithelium

can allow bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus
aureus, to infect the lungs, sinuses, or ears.

Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, which can impair cardiac

function.

Encephalitis: A rare complication where the virus or immune response

affects the brain, leading to seizures or neurological impairment.

Worsening of Chronic Conditions: People with asthma, heart disease, or

diabetes may experience exacerbation of their conditions.
 References

1. Estimates of US influenza-associated deaths

made using four different methods.
Thompson WW, Weintraub E, Dhankhar P, Cheng
OY, Brammer L, Meltzer MI, et al. Influenza Other
Respi Viruses. 2009;3:37-49

2. Global burden of respiratory infections due to

seasonal influenza in young children: a
systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nair H, Abdullah Brooks W, Katz M et al. Lancet
2011; 378: 1917–3
THANK YOU