AH1N1 influenza

Etiology
Influenza viruses are classified into three groups:

Type A -most prevalent strikes every year, with new serotypes causing epidemic every three
years.

Type B -strikes annually, but only causes epidemics every 4 to 6 years

Type C -endemic and causes only sporadic cases

History
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people
with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then
touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms
develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that one may be able to pass on the flu to someone else
before he knows he is sick, as well as while one is sick.

Physical Examination
Respiratory System: runny nose, dry cough, sore throat

Integumentary System: cyanotic nail beds, reddish skin color

Potential Complications
Fever that persists longer than 3-5 days signals the onset of complications. The most common complication
is pneumonia which can be primary influenza viral influenza. It may also cause myositis, exacerbation of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease and rarely myocarditis, pericarditis, transverse myelitis and encephalitis.

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and
worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Diagnostic examinations
In most cases, diagnosis of the flu is determined by the symptoms, especially when these occur during the
peak flu season. Sometimes, the doctor may need to perform special tests to be sure the influenza virus is
responsible for the symptoms. Common Laboratory procedures are Viral Culture, Immunofluorescence DFA
Antibody Staining, Serology, Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) and Rapid Diagnostic Testing.

Nursing diagnosis

Intervention
Rationale

Discharge Planning

Teaching Checklist