Influenza and other Respiratory Viral Infections

Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Fife
NHS Fife

NB: CONSIDER POSSIBILITY OF COVID-19 IN ALL PATIENTS WITH INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS

Clinical features
  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Coryzal symptoms
  • Generalised myalgia
  • Headache
Investigations
  • Viral throat swab
  • Blood culture if systemically unwell
  • Point Of Care Testing may be available in A&E and AU1 at peak times
Infection control

Isolate with droplet precautions

Treatment

Advice about treatment changes annually depending on prevailing epidemiology

If CXR shows consolidation treat additionally as for PNEUMONIA

Guidance about the treatment of Influenza can be accessed here: Adult Treatment of Influenza

Guidance about post-exposure prophylaxis can be accessed here: post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza

Other Respiratory Viral Infections:

Symptoms similar to influenza but fever less likely to be prominent

Consider a viral throat swab (not if discharged directly from A&E)

If admitted, isolate with droplet precautions

No specific treatment usually. Some immunosuppressed patients with specific pathogens may be considered for treatment. Discuss with Microbiology