Sara Lynn LeSage
23 September 2016
Influenza Case Study Part I 1. Influenza symptoms include fever, chills, malaise, fatigue, body aches, headaches, cough, and congestion. 2. The flu shot does not protect against the “stomach flu,” only the influenza virus. The stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is caused by a variety of organisms that invade the GI tract while influenza is a completely different illness with completely different symptoms. 3. The “stomach flu” can be caused by a variety of things including a bacteria (eg. E. coli), a virus (eg. Norovirus), or a parasite (eg. Giardia). 4. A vaccine provides immunity by giving the immune system a weakened or inactive version of the virus to fight off. The immune system builds antibodies against the weak virus so that it can fight off the real virus if infected before symptoms occur. The study linking vaccines to autism was proven to be false and inaccurate several years after it was published; there is currently no evidence linking vaccines to a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. 5. Many viruses and bacteria can cause an upper respiratory infection. By washing hands properly, coughing into an elbow, and not sharing drinks or utensils with others, we can prevent many URIs. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics while viruses must run their course. Adequate fluids, vitamins, and over the counter anti-inflammatories/antipyretics can shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of a viral infection. Part II 1. It is not a reasonable gamble for Karen to skip this year’s flu shot because the vaccines contain different strains every year. She may be immune to the virus covered by the vaccine last year, but she will not be immune to what is in the vaccine this year. 2. The flu virus, like other viruses, is changed via antigenic drift or antigenic shift. In antigenic drift, small, almost unnoticeable changes occur each time the virus replicates. Eventually, the virus will change enough that the antibodies of an immune person will not recognize the virus and the person will become sick with a “new” strain of the influenza virus. With antigenic shift, a significant change occurs to the virus’s hemagglutinin or neuraminidase proteins on the outside of the virus structure. The body won’t recognize the virus with the new proteins if a different structure was in the vaccine and will not be prepared to fight it. These types of changes are why new flu shots are developed every year.
Part III 1. Karen cannot rely on antibiotics if she catches influenza because a virus causes the flu. Antibiotics only kill bacteria and do not work on viruses at all. 2. Prior to infection, the vaccine is a great way to lessen the chances of getting the flu. Antibiotics won’t help fight against a virus or protect the body from a virus. After the infection and symptoms occur, antibiotics still will not help fight the virus. An antiviral medication like Tamiflu may help shorten the length of the illness but nothing can kill a virus like an antibiotic can kill a bacteria. 3. Antibiotics are effective on certain bacterial infections. Each antibiotic family has a different method of attacking bacteria, so cultures of the infected area should be obtained to be sure a matching antibiotic will be prescribed. Part IV 1. Karen’s mother should still get an influenza vaccine. There are different doses and methods of vaccinations that are made for specific age groups. Standard dose 3 strain flu shots are adequate for individuals age 18-64. High dose and 4 strain vaccines are recommended for people 65 and older. 4 strain flu shots are recommended for the 6 months and older. 2. 2. The youngest age that someone can get a flu shot is six months. So both the daycare teacher and 6th month old niece can get one. References: Influenza (Flu). (2016). Retrieved September 16, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
