Influenza mortality is greatest in those over 65 years of age. Flu onset is sudden: high fever, dry cough, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion
- Type A – causes epidemics every 1-3 years
- Type B – less likely to mutate than Type A. Epidemics seen every 5 years.
- Treatment: Supportive care.
- If high risk:
- amantadine, rimantadine – no Type B activity. It’s not recommended anymore.
- oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, baloxavir – Best if started within 48 hours.
- If high risk:
- Prophylaxis
- Oseltamivir – administer for 6 weeks of peak season or 2 days after close contact for 10 days.