Abstract
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses A, B and exceptionally C that belong to the family of orthomyxoviruses. Pandemics and epidemics of the influenza háve been historically well documented and háve been accompanying the whole mankind for a long time.
Typical flu symptoms include sudden onset of fever with chills, fatigue and weakness. The patient has headache, muscle and joint pain.
There may also occur a gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Non-productive cough can also be observed.
Influenza can be accompanied by serious complications such as bacterial pneumonia, heart failure, myocarditis, pericarditis, encephalopathy or encephalitis. The diagnosis can be made by rapid influenza diagnostic test, RT-PCR, possibly virus culture.
Oral oseítamivir is also ušed ín therapy and chemoprophylaxis, which can also be given to pregnant women and children. Zanamivir is intended for inhalation and is suitable even when oseítamivir chemoprophylaxis has failed.
Using appropriate available diagnostic methods and correctly interpreting hospital entry results, it is possible to precisely identity influenza patients, early use of antiviral therapy, reduce unnecessary laboratory testing and reduce the use of antibiotics.