Publication details
Chřipka - aktuální klinická praxe
| Title in English | Influenza - current clinical pratice |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Geriatrie a gerontologie |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.prolekare.cz/casopisy/geriatrie-gerontologie/2024-2-20/chripka-aktualni-klinicka-praxe-138239 |
| Keywords | flu; influenza; oseltamivir; bacterial superinfection; viral pneumonia |
| Description | During the covid pandemic, influenza took a back seat. Its prevalence dropped dramatically due to the introduction of anti-epidemic measures. Following their relaxation, influenza has returned unchanged and continues to be a major health problem, affecting mostly people over 65 years of age. The positive aspect of the pandemic caused by a similar respiratory virus is the widening of the range and availability of diagnostic tests. Early diagnosis is essential in the treatment of influenza because the only available antiviral drug, oseltamivir, is only effective if given within 2 days of the onset of symptoms. The inadequate spectrum of antivirals further emphasizes the importance of regular vaccination in persons at risk not only against influenza but also against pneumococcal and haemophilus diseases, which are the most common causative agents of bacterial superinfections superimposed on influenza-induced lower respiratory tract involvement. It is bacterial superinfection that is the most important cause of mortality in influenza. |