Influenza

Description

General Measures 

Medicine Treatment 

Referral

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J09/J10.0-1/J10.8/J11.0-1/J11.8

DESCRIPTION

• Influenza is a self-limiting viral condition that presents with headache, muscular pain and fever. It usually begins to clear within 7 days but may last up to 14 days
• Malnourished children, the elderly and debilitated patients are at greater risk of developing complications

CAUTION Malaria, measles, and HIV seroconversion may present with flu-like symptoms

Complications

Secondary bacterial infections, including:

• Pneumonia secondary to influenza
• Sinusitis
• Otitis media

GENERAL MEASURES

• Bed rest, if feverish
• Ensure adequate hydration
• Advise patient to return to clinic if earache, tenderness or pain over sinuses develops and/or cough or fever persists for longer than a week

MEDICINE TREATMENT

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Note:

Antibiotics are of no value for the treatment of influenza.

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Infants

• Sodium chloride 0.9%, instilled into each nostril as required

Pain and fever with distress:

Children

• Paracetamol, oral, 10–15 mg/kg/dose, 4–6 hourly when required. See: dosing table

Adults

• Paracetamol, oral, 500 mg–1 g, 4–6 hourly when required (to a maximum of 4 g in 24 hours)
  • Maximum dose: 15 mg/kg/dose

REFERRAL

• Severe complications

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4-Version 1.0_16 September 2024

Chapter 17: Respiratory Conditions_17.3. Respiratory Infections_17.3.1. Influenza