When can I get my flu shot at Mayo Clinic. Where are flu vaccines available at Mayo Clinic locations. How do I schedule a flu vaccine appointment at Mayo Clinic. What are the flu vaccination options for different age groups at Mayo Clinic. Are walk-in flu clinics available at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic Flu Vaccination Schedule 2022-2023

Mayo Clinic recognizes the importance of flu vaccinations in protecting public health. For the 2022-2023 flu season, the healthcare provider has established a comprehensive vaccination program across its locations in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota. Let’s explore the specific details for each location.

Arizona Flu Vaccine Availability

In Arizona, Mayo Clinic began offering seasonal flu vaccines to registered patients on September 19, 2022. How can patients schedule their appointments. Registered patients aged 18 and older have two primary options:

• Book through Patient Online Services
• Call their primary care providers

Are there special considerations for certain groups. Yes, patients under 18, those with egg allergies, and individuals with a history of fainting after vaccinations should schedule appointments with their primary care providers for flu shots.

Florida Flu Vaccine Rollout

Mayo Clinic’s Florida location started offering flu vaccines on September 21, 2022. How can patients stay informed about vaccine availability. They can call the Flu Vaccine Information Hotline at 904-953-0301 for up-to-date information on vaccine supply status.

What are the options for registered primary care patients in Florida. They can:

1. Receive the flu vaccine during regular scheduled visits
2. Book appointments at Gate Parkway, Beaches, and St. Augustine locations
3. Get vaccinated at the Mayo Building’s second floor Atrium flu clinic or the drive-thru on campus

How about other registered Mayo Clinic patients in Florida. They can receive flu vaccines at the Jacksonville campus, either at the Mayo Building’s second floor Atrium flu clinic or the drive-thru. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 904-956-8700 or through Patient Online Services.

Minnesota’s Comprehensive Flu Vaccination Program

Mayo Clinic’s Minnesota location offers a robust flu vaccination program for patients aged 6 months and older. What are the three main ways to receive a flu vaccine in Minnesota?

1. Schedule an appointment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester
2. Request a flu vaccine during an existing appointment
3. Visit a walk-in clinic

Scheduling Flu Vaccine Appointments in Rochester

From October 1, 2022, registered Mayo Clinic patients could schedule flu vaccine appointments through various means. What are these options?

• Using Patient Online Services
• Calling the appointment phone line
• Contacting their primary care providers

Starting October 17, 2022, flu vaccines were administered by appointment at multiple locations. Which primary care locations offer flu vaccines during existing appointments? These include Mayo Family Clinic Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, Express Care locations, and primary care clinics in the Baldwin Building.

Pediatric Flu Vaccine Clinic: A Specialized Approach

Mayo Clinic has established a dedicated pediatric influenza vaccine clinic for patients under 18 years old. Where is this clinic located? It’s on the 16th floor of the Mayo Building.

What makes this clinic unique? It offers both flu shots and nasal sprays, along with painless interventions. Additionally, child life and music therapy are available for extra support.

Can family members also get vaccinated at this clinic? Yes, family members, other individuals, or patients under 18 accompanying the child can receive the flu vaccine. Even family members or caregivers of a child admitted to a Mayo Clinic hospital are eligible.

Pediatric Flu Clinic Operating Hours

The pediatric influenza vaccine clinic began operations on October 17, 2022. What are its operating hours?

• Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon

Walk-In Flu Clinics: Convenient Options for Patients

For patients without primary care providers at Mayo Clinic, walk-in clinics offer a convenient alternative. Where is the walk-in clinic located in Minnesota? It’s on the sixth floor of the Mayo Building.

What was the operational period for the walk-in clinic? The clinic was open from October 17 to November 18, 2022, with the following hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon

Post-Season Flu Vaccination Options

After the main flu vaccination period, how can patients receive their flu shots? Following November 18, 2022, patients need to schedule flu vaccine appointments through their healthcare providers.

Importance of Flu Vaccination in Healthcare Settings

Why does Mayo Clinic place such emphasis on flu vaccination? Vaccination is considered the best defense against contracting the flu. By offering comprehensive vaccination programs across its locations, Mayo Clinic aims to protect both its patients and the broader community from the potentially severe complications of influenza.

Benefits of Flu Vaccination

What are some key benefits of getting a flu shot?

• Reduced risk of flu-related hospitalizations
• Protection for high-risk populations, including young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions
• Potential reduction in severity of illness if you do contract the flu
• Contribution to community immunity, helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated

Mayo Clinic’s Approach to Accessible Flu Vaccination

How does Mayo Clinic ensure widespread access to flu vaccines? The healthcare provider adopts a multi-faceted approach:

1. Offering vaccines at multiple locations
2. Providing various scheduling options
3. Establishing specialized clinics for specific populations
4. Integrating flu shots into existing appointments
5. Operating walk-in clinics for added convenience

This comprehensive strategy aims to make flu vaccination as accessible and convenient as possible for all patients, regardless of their age, location, or specific health needs.

Seasonal Variations in Flu Vaccine Availability

Does the availability of flu vaccines change throughout the season? Yes, flu vaccine availability can vary based on supply and demand. Mayo Clinic typically begins its flu vaccination programs in September or October, aligning with CDC recommendations for optimal timing of flu shots.

Why is timing important for flu vaccinations? Getting vaccinated before flu activity begins in the community offers the best protection. However, vaccination is recommended throughout the flu season, even into January or later, as flu activity can continue well into spring.

Adapting to Annual Flu Strains

How does Mayo Clinic ensure its flu vaccines are up-to-date? The healthcare provider follows CDC and WHO recommendations for flu vaccine composition, which are updated annually to match the flu viruses expected to circulate in the upcoming season.

Technology’s Role in Flu Vaccination Programs

How does Mayo Clinic leverage technology in its flu vaccination efforts? The healthcare provider utilizes several technological solutions:

• Patient Online Services for appointment scheduling
• Electronic health records to track vaccination status
• Automated reminders for patients due for vaccination
• Hotlines for real-time vaccine availability updates

These technological tools not only streamline the vaccination process but also help ensure that patients receive timely and accurate information about flu vaccine availability and appointments.

Addressing Special Populations in Flu Vaccination

How does Mayo Clinic cater to patients with special considerations? The healthcare provider has implemented several strategies:

1. Dedicated pediatric clinics with child-friendly interventions
2. Specific instructions for patients with egg allergies
3. Accommodations for patients with a history of fainting after vaccinations
4. Options for family members of hospitalized patients

These specialized approaches demonstrate Mayo Clinic’s commitment to providing safe and effective flu vaccination to all patient populations, regardless of their unique health needs or circumstances.

Collaboration Between Mayo Clinic Locations

How do different Mayo Clinic locations coordinate their flu vaccination efforts? While each location (Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota) has its specific vaccination schedule and procedures, there’s a unified approach to:

• Vaccine procurement and distribution
• Implementation of best practices in vaccine administration
• Patient education and outreach
• Data collection and analysis for continuous improvement

This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive consistent, high-quality care regardless of which Mayo Clinic location they visit for their flu vaccination.

Future Directions in Flu Vaccination at Mayo Clinic

What potential developments might we see in Mayo Clinic’s flu vaccination programs? While specifics would require official announcements from Mayo Clinic, potential areas for future enhancement could include:

1. Expansion of drive-thru vaccination options
2. Integration of AI for optimized vaccine distribution and appointment scheduling
3. Development of personalized vaccination reminders based on individual risk factors
4. Increased collaboration with community partners to reach underserved populations
5. Research into novel vaccine technologies and delivery methods

As a leader in healthcare, Mayo Clinic is likely to continue innovating in its approach to flu vaccination, always with the goal of improving patient outcomes and public health.

Influenza (flu) – Flu vaccine appointments

Request an Appointment

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Print

Vaccination is the best defense against getting the flu. Following is information about flu vaccinations at Mayo Clinic.

Flu vaccinations 2022-2023

Arizona

Seasonal flu vaccines are available by appointment for registered Mayo Clinic patients at Mayo Clinic in Arizona beginning Sept. 19, 2022.

Registered patients age 18 and older may make an appointment through Patient Online Services. Registered patients also may call their primary care providers to schedule a flu vaccine. Appointment scheduling options include:

• Adult patients who have an appointment scheduled at Mayo Clinic for another reason may schedule an appointment for a flu shot on the same day at the Mayo Clinic site where they have their appointment.
• Patients under age 18, patients with an egg allergy and patients with a history of fainting with previous vaccinations should schedule an appointment with their primary care providers for a flu shot.

Florida

Seasonal flu vaccines are available beginning Sept. 21, 2022, at Mayo Clinic in Florida. To check availability, call the Flu Vaccine Information Hotline at 904-953-0301. This line will be updated as the vaccine supply status changes.

• Registered primary care patients. Registered primary care patients (Department of Family Medicine, Division of Regional Medicine and Division of Community Internal Medicine) may receive the flu vaccine at their regularly scheduled visits.

  The Gate Parkway, Beaches and St. Augustine locations offer flu vaccine appointments. To make a flu vaccine appointment at these locations, patients may call the specific location or schedule through Patient Online Services beginning Sept. 21, 2022.

  All primary care patients also may receive flu vaccines at the flu clinic in the Mayo Building’s second floor Atrium, or at the drive-thru on campus. Appointments are requested. Please call 904-956-8700 or make an appointment through Patient Online Services beginning Sept. 21, 2022.

• All other registered Mayo Clinic patients. Flu vaccines will be available at the Jacksonville campus of Mayo Clinic in the Mayo Building’s second floor Atrium flu clinic or at the drive-thru. Appointments are requested. Registered Mayo Clinic patients may call 904-956-8700 or request an appointment for these locations through Patient Online Services beginning Sept. 21, 2022.

Flu vaccine appointments are available starting Sept. 21, 2022, at:

Minnesota

Mayo Clinic patients age 6 months and older may receive a flu vaccine in one of three ways:

Schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Beginning Oct. 1, 2022, registered Mayo Clinic patients may schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine by:

• Using Patient Online Services
• Calling the appointment phone line
• Calling their primary care providers to schedule an appointment

Beginning Oct. 17, 2022, flu vaccines will be given by appointment at:

Ask to receive a flu vaccine during an existing appointment

Beginning Oct. 17, 2022, registered patients may request a flu vaccine during an existing appointment at primary care locations. This includes Mayo Family Clinic Northwest, Northeast, Southeast. It also includes Express Care locations and primary care clinics in the Baldwin Building. Flu vaccines won’t be available at lab and radiology appointments.

A pediatric influenza vaccine clinic is available for patients under age 18 years to receive a flu shot or nasal spray, along with painless interventions. The pediatric influenza vaccine clinic is located in the Mayo Building on the16th floor. Parents or caregivers can request a flu vaccine for their child in this clinic during a regularly scheduled appointment.

Family members, other individuals or other patients under age 18 who come with the child also can receive the flu vaccine. Family members or caregivers of a child admitted to a Mayo Clinic hospital also may receive the flu vaccine.

The pediatric influenza vaccine clinic is open for patients beginning Oct. 17, 2022, at the following times:

Patients or family members also may schedule an appointment by calling their primary care providers or making an appointment through Patient Online Services. Child life and music therapy are available for additional support.

Go to a walk-in clinic

Patients who are not Mayo Clinic employees and don’t have primary care providers may receive a flu shot at the walk-in clinic in the Mayo Building on the sixth floor.

The walk-in clinic is open for patients from Oct. 17 to Nov. 18, 2022, at the following times:

After Nov. 18, 2022, patients will need to schedule a flu vaccine through their health care providers.

For information about flu vaccines at all other Midwest locations, visit the Mayo Clinic Health System website.

CON-20164014

Chest Pain, Breathing, High Fever, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Normal Flu Symptoms
• Flu Treatments
• Who’s at Risk?
• What Are Some Serious Complications?
• When to Call the Doctor
• Reye’s Syndrome
• What to Do in a Flu Emergency
• More

You may think of the flu as pretty harmless. Most of the time, it is. People typically recover after about a week or two without any lasting problems. But sometimes this illness can lead to serious complications that require emergency care.

Every year more than 200,000 people in the U. S. wind up in the hospital because of the flu. Tens of thousands die. Infants, the elderly, and people with certain diseases or weakened immune systems are the most at risk. But a flu emergency can happen to anyone. So it’s important to know the signs of trouble.

Different strains of the influenza virus cause the flu. You get it when you inhale the germ or pick it up on your hands and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Symptoms usually show up 1 to 4 days later.

The flu can be hard to tell from a cold. But it usually comes on faster and is more severe. The so-called “stomach flu” isn’t the same as influenza. The flu very rarely causes tummy trouble in adults.

Normal flu symptoms include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches

Although flu vaccines can prevent certain strains, there’s not much you can do after you get sick. If you take them within 48 hours after symptoms start, drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) may ease some symptoms. You can also:

• Take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve body aches, headache, and fever.
• Take over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants to help with congestion.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Get plenty of rest.

Antibiotics don’t treat the flu. They only work against bacteria, and the flu is caused by a virus. You might need antibiotics if you get a secondary infection in your ear, sinuses, or lungs (like pneumonia or bronchitis).

Usually, you don’t need to see the doctor if you get the flu. Your body will fight off the virus on its own if you get enough rest. But sometimes you — or a family member — may have serious problems as a result of the flu. Those more likely to get them include:

• Newborns and children up to age 5 (especially kids under age 2)
• People over age 65
• Pregnant women
• People who live in long-term care facilities
• Caregivers
• People with chronic diseases like asthma, neuromuscular disease, heart problems, or lung disease
• People with a weakened immune system, either from a disease or its treatment

• Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. If untreated, it can be life-threatening.
• Muscle inflammation (myositis)
• Central nervous system diseases
• Heart problems like heart attacks, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), and inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis)
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes

If you or your child get any of the following symptoms, get medical care at once. You may have a serious complication that requires treatment.

• Coughing up blood
• Croup, which causes a loud barking cough
• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Bluish-colored lips or nails
• High fever
• Convulsions from fever (this usually affects children)
• Fever or cough that becomes severe or won’t go away

This serious illness occurs most often in children. It may follow infection with the flu or other viral diseases like chickenpox. It often happens after the child takes aspirin. Reye’s syndrome affects the liver and brain. It’s rare, but it can be life-threatening.

Symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and delirium
• Listlessness
• Personality changes such as aggressiveness
• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness

Because of its link to Reye’s syndrome, never give aspirin to children or teenagers unless your doctor says it’s OK.

If you or a family member has any signs or symptoms of a flu emergency, call 911 right away or go to the emergency room. Don’t wait.

Top Picks

Information on influenza – Belovskaya ambulance station

INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY STAFF.

Clinical management of patients infected with pandemic influenza (h2N1) virus.

Influenza is an acute viral disease characterized by a short incubation period, severe general intoxication, catarrhal changes in the respiratory tract and a tendency to bacterial superinfections.

The 2009 pandemic (h2N1) influenza virus differs in its pathogenicity from seasonal influenza in two key respects: the infection affects a wider age range, especially children and young people, the virus can infect the lower respiratory tract and cause rapidly progressive pneumonia.

A wide clinical spectrum has been described ranging from non-febrile, mild upper respiratory illness, febrile influenza-like illness (ILI) to severe or even fatal complications, including rapidly progressive pneumonia. The most commonly reported symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, muscle pain, malaise and headache. Some patients had gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).

Approximately 10-30% of hospitalized patients required treatment in intensive care units. Critically ill patients were defined as those with rapidly progressive lower respiratory disease, respiratory failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with persistent hypoxemia.

Risk groups include the following:

* Infants and young children, especially children under 3 years of age 9

* Pregnant women with asthma, COPD)

* Persons of any age with chronic heart disease (eg, congestive heart failure)

* Persons 65 years of age and older

Uncomplicated influenza

• ​ILI symptoms include: high fever, cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, headache, muscle pain and malaise without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Patients may have some or all of these symptoms.
• Gastrointestinal disease may also be present, such as diarrhea and/or vomiting, especially in children, but without signs of dehydration.

Complicated or severe influenza

Clinical (eg, dyspnea/difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, hypoxia) and/or radiological evidence of lower respiratory disease (eg, pneumonia), central nervous system (CNS) damage (eg, encephalopathy, encephalitis), severe dehydration, or the presence of secondary complications such as renal failure, multiple organ failure, and septic shock. Other complications may include acute skeletal muscle necrosis and myocarditis.

Exacerbation of existing chronic disease, including asthma, COPD, chronic liver or kidney failure, diabetes, or other cardiovascular disease.

Presence of any other disease or clinical manifestation requiring hospitalization for clinical treatment.

Presence of any of the signs of disease progression mentioned below.

Signs and symptoms of progressive disease

In patients who initially show symptoms of uncomplicated influenza, the disease may progress to a more severe form. Progression can be rapid (i.e., within 24 hours). The following are some of the indicators of progressive disease that will require an urgent review of patient management:

• Signs and symptoms that may indicate poor oxygen supply or cardiopulmonary failure:

– Shortness of breath (when moving or at rest), shortness of breath, cyanosis, bloody or colored sputum, chest pain and low blood pressure;

– In children: frequent or labored breathing;

– Hypoxia, determined by the readings of a pulse oximeter.

• Signs and symptoms that may indicate CNS complications:

– Altered mental state, unconsciousness, drowsiness or difficulty waking up and periodic or persistent convulsions (convulsions), confusion, severe weakness or paralysis.

Pregnant women, especially those with comorbidities, are at increased risk of complications from influenza virus infection. Influenza during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and fetal distress. Therefore, pregnant women require closer monitoring and early initiation of antiviral treatment. Paracetamol is recommended to reduce high fever and pain in pregnant women, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin ⁷ are associated with fetal risks and maternal bleeding and are therefore contraindicated in pregnancy.

Infants and young children (especially children under 2 years of age) have the highest rates of hospitalization, especially among children with pre-existing chronic conditions. Neonates and young children often present with less typical symptoms of ILI, such as shortness of breath, low grade fever, rapid breathing, blueness, excessive sleep, lethargy, poor appetite, and dehydration. Such symptoms are nonspecific and the diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of these features alone.

Antiviral therapy

The 2009 pandemic influenza (h2N1) virus is currently susceptible to the effects of the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) oseltamivir (TAMIFLU) and zanamivir (RELENZA).

The following is a summary of treatment recommendations:

• Patients with severe or progressive clinical disease should be treated with oseltamivir. Treatment should begin as soon as possible.

This recommendation applies to all patient groups, including pregnant women and children under 2 years of age, including neonates.

In patients with severe or progressive disease who do not respond to normal treatment regimens, higher doses of oseltamivir (TAMIFLU) and longer treatment may be appropriate. In some situations for adults, a dose of 150 mg twice a day is used.

In cases where (1) oseltamivir is not available or cannot be used, or (2) if the virus is resistant to oseltamivir, patients who have severe or progressive clinical disease should be treated with zanamivir (RELENZA).

* Patients who are at increased risk of severe or complicated illness but who have uncomplicated illness due to influenza virus infection should be treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir. Treatment should begin as soon as possible after the onset of the disease.

If antiviral therapy is used, it should ideally be started early after the onset of symptoms, but it can be used at any stage of active disease.

Mothers who are breastfeeding may continue to breastfeed while sick and receiving treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir.

Pneumonia is the most common severe complication of influenza.

There are three forms of pneumonia complicating influenza: primary viral pneumonia, viral-bacterial (secondary) pneumonia, bacterial (tertiary) pneumonia.

Primary viral pneumonia develops on 1st day from the onset of the disease. A significant proportion of lethal pneumonias may be associated not with a concomitant bacterial infection, but directly with the invasion and reproduction of the virus in the lungs. The initial symptoms of the disease are typical of influenza, but already within 12-36 hours, patients notice an increase in shortness of breath, which is often accompanied by a cough with a meager amount of sputum and streaks of blood. In rare cases, massive hemoptysis is possible. Pleural pain is rare. At the time of hospitalization most often manifest the phenomena of respiratory failure. Expressed tachypnea, tachycardia, cyanosis.

Viral-bacterial (secondary) pneumonia develops by the end of the first week from the onset of influenza. With this type of pneumonia, the interval between the onset of the first respiratory symptoms and signs and involvement in the process of the lung parenchyma can be up to 4 days, during this period even some improvement in the patient’s condition is possible. In most cases, the cough is productive with purulent or bloody sputum, accompanied by tremendous chills and pleural pain. As a rule, by the time of hospitalization, there are signs of severe respiratory failure: severe dyspnea, tachypnea, cyanosis.

Tertiary bacterial pneumonia develops in the second week from the onset of influenza. This is the most common complication that occurs due to damage to the ciliary epithelium by the virus, slowing down the mobilization of leukocytes, and impaired neutralization of bacteria by polymorphonuclear phagocytes. In most patients, the diagnosis of secondary bacterial pneumonia can be made based on the history. Usually the patient suffers a typical flu, followed by a period of apparent improvement, some patients even have time to get to work. However, 3-14 days after the first flu symptoms, the patient’s condition deteriorates rapidly: a second wave of fever with chills, pleural chest pain, cough with purulent sputum, and possibly hemoptysis. In about 2/3 of cases, the disease does not have a two-phase character, and the symptoms of pneumonia “superimpose” on the symptoms of influenza.

CONCLUSIONS:

– when working with patients with fever, a medical worker must wear a mask pulmonology departments of medical organizations

– early start of antiviral therapy is necessary, drugs with proven efficacy are TAMIFLU and RELENZA

– Paracetamol is recommended as an antipyretic for fever in pregnant women, while other drugs increase the risk of obstetric bleeding

– Mandatory hospitalization of children under 3 years of age with signs of acute respiratory disease

– obligatory pulse oximetry for patients (if a pulse oximeter is available) for early detection of respiratory disorders

Appendix

The degree of intoxication in children.

I degree. Decreased emotional tone, decreased appetite, liver enlargement by 1.0-2.0 cm, decreased muscle tone, subfebrile condition.

II degree. The child is restless or very lethargic, loses interest in others, refuses to eat, is pale, muscle hypotension, muffled heart sounds, temperature 38-39C, the liver is enlarged by 2.0-3.0 cm, there may be vomiting, regurgitation.

III degree. Sopor.

Degrees of respiratory failure in children (RD).

DN I degree. Respiratory distress with moderate exercise, breathing quickens by 10-2%. Tachycardia is moderate. HR:RR = 3:1 (normally 3.5:1). The gas composition of the blood is almost not disturbed.

DN II degree. Dyspnea and cyanosis at rest. Breathing speeded up by 20-30%. The pulse is frequent. HR:HR=2:1. Participation of auxiliary muscles in the act of breathing. In the blood, persistent hypoxia and hypercapnia. The child is restless.

DN III degree. Shortness of breath and cyanosis are pronounced. Breathing speeded up by 40-70%, superficial. Tachycardia. HR: RR = 1.5: 1. The skin is gray-cyanotic. Hypoxemia and hypercapnia in the blood. The child is retarded.

signs and symptoms, what types there are, how to avoid them and what happens if the disease is not treated

Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract, which is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets. Its causative agent is an RNA virus Influenza virus . Influenza differs from other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in a more severe course, a high risk of complications.

The most commonly complicated infection is caused by the type A virus – that is, in 5-38% of cases ¹ . In this article, you will learn what complications occur with the flu, how they are diagnosed, and who is most susceptible to them. We give general recommendations for prevention.

Who is at risk of flu complications

Influenza is especially dangerous for people suffering from the following chronic pathologies ¹ :

• bronchopulmonary – bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

• cardiovascular – ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis;

• endocrine-metabolic – diabetes mellitus, diseases of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;

• kidney failure;

• obesity and other metabolic disorders.

There are three categories of patients at risk:

• Elderly – 80-90% of influenza complications occur in patients over 65 years of age. This is due to age-related weakening of the immune response and the presence of at least one of the chronic diseases listed above.

• Babies – the flu is especially likely to cause complications
  in children up to 3-5 months of age due to the immaturity of their immune system.

• Pregnant women – a natural decrease in immunity and the restructuring of the work of all organs and systems, allowing you to successfully bear a fetus, increase
  the risk of infection and complications in the mother and fetus. Their likelihood increases in late pregnancy.

In adults of young and mature age without chronic diseases, complications of influenza develop less frequently and are accompanied by mild symptoms.

Complications of influenza most often occur against the background of a weakened immune response – after a previous serious illness, against the background of psycho-emotional stress, as a result of long-term treatment with corticosteroids.

Symptoms of complications

The severity of the clinical signs of influenza does not always indicate an increased risk of complications. There are frequent cases of their sudden development and against the background of mild symptoms. This is especially true for infants and the elderly, in whom the manifestations of infection are usually erased. The development of complications may be indicated by an increase in symptoms or their resumption, the appearance of new symptoms after several days and even weeks from the moment of improvement.

Symptoms of flu complications in adults usually increase gradually, in young children they can occur suddenly.

Signs of a complicated course
influenza:

• debilitating weakness, which is expressed in the feeling that there is literally no strength to move;

• temperature rise to 40˚C or more;

• shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air, palpitations with little physical exertion;

• cyanosis – cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes;

• chest pain;

• change of dry cough productive – with sputum (often – with an admixture of blood).

• rare urination with the release of small portions of urine;

• dizziness and repeated vomiting;

• convulsions, fainting;

• drowsiness, confusion;

• acute encephalitis.

If you notice these warning signs, urgently call a local therapist or an ambulance team, depending on the severity of the manifestations.

Main types

The influenza virus can cause direct and indirect complications. The latter are associated with the addition of a secondary infection caused by other pathogens. Both species often pose a danger to health and life.

Influenza-related complications directly related to the virus

Uncomplicated influenza affects the upper respiratory tract. The spread of the virus to other organs and systems, their inflammation caused by viral intoxication, are considered complications.

The most common influenza complications from the respiratory tract – viral laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis. Primary pneumonia is especially dangerous – a viral inflammation of the lungs. Against the background of the inflammatory process, acute respiratory distress syndrome quickly develops – a life-threatening condition, accompanied by severe respiratory failure, shock.

Less commonly, the influenza virus causes infectious-toxic damage to other organs. Its manifestations:

• Viral myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. This disease, as a rule, proceeds relatively easily and ends in complete recovery, but, at times, leads to severe heart failure and death.

• Neurotoxic syndrome is a brain lesion. The destruction of respiratory epithelial cells by the influenza virus is accompanied by the release of toxins into the bloodstream, a violation of water-electrolyte and acid-base metabolism. Nerve fibers are the first to be affected. In uncomplicated influenza, the damage to the central nervous system is small and is manifested by a headache. With severe intoxication, cerebral edema may develop.

• Reye’s syndrome is a type of neurotoxic syndrome with simultaneous liver damage (fatty degeneration). It develops in children and adolescents.

In pregnant women, influenza often leads to thrombosis, preeclampsia, intrauterine death, and fetal loss. With a complicated course of the disease, the frequency of spontaneous miscarriages reaches 25%, preterm birth – 16%. An infection carried by the mother in the II and III trimesters of pregnancy can lead to congenital anomalies of the cardiovascular system, brain defects, and a cleft face in a child.

Due to secondary infection

Against the background of a viral infection, conditionally pathogenic bacteria are activated, which normally inhabit the mucous membranes of the body and do not harm it – streptococci, staphylococci, Haemophilus influenzae. Weakened immunity leads to the growth of their colonies, they attack the affected tissues. This is how a secondary (secondary) infection develops. Sometimes infection occurs from the outside – for example, by inhaling spores of aspergillus mold fungi, which are safe for a healthy person.

secondary infection
occurs more often than complications directly related to the virus. It can affect any organs and systems – urinary (nephritis, pyelocystitis), nervous (encephalitis, meningitis), heart (myocarditis, pericarditis).

With influenza, bacterial lesions of the ENT organs (otitis media, sinusitis) most often develop, the most dangerous of them is secondary pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia can lead to septic shock with clotting disorders and multiple organ failure. Frequent outcomes of this condition are death or disability.

Nobasit ^® Forte is an antiviral drug against influenza and SARS containing enisamia iodide. ²
During a clinical study in 2018-2019. on the basis of the Research Institute of Influenza. A.A. Smorodintsev, it was found that while taking enisamium iodide, the number of complications requiring antibiotics was 4 times lower compared to the symptomatic therapy group. ³ Early treatment of enisamia with iodide will help to avoid complications and spread of infection to the lower respiratory tract ³ .

Diagnosis and treatment

In the diagnosis of influenza complications, instrumental and laboratory studies are used:

• CT (computed tomography) of the lungs is the most accurate method for detecting viral pneumonia.

• EchoCG (echocardiography, or ultrasound of the heart) – to detect inflammatory changes in the myocardium, the pericardial sac.

• PCR and bacteriological examination of sputum, bronchial lavage – for the diagnosis of secondary pneumonia and the selection of an antibiotic.

• Blood tests – general, biochemical, acid-base status, coagulogram. Their results may indicate damage to internal organs, the development of shock.

• Urinalysis – clinical, biochemical (to assess the state of the urinary system).

• Spinal puncture with cerebrospinal fluid examination – to detect lesions of the central nervous system.

Treatment of influenza complications depends on the location of the lesion. Pathologies of vital organs and systems are treated in the relevant specialized department of the hospital – resuscitation and intensive care, pulmonology, neurology and others. Secondary infections of the ENT and upper respiratory tract can be treated at home.

How to avoid complications

Influenza and its complications are diseases that are easier to prevent than to treat. There are proven primary and secondary prevention measures for this. The fight against influenza is carried out at all stages – it begins long before the onset of a seasonal outbreak and continues when symptoms have already appeared.

Primary prevention

Primary prevention measures significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. No flu, no complications. The main general rule is to limit your visits to crowded places. As much as possible to exclude contacts with strangers should be representatives of risk groups, in which the disease is most often severe.

Prevents the spread of infection and wearing a medical mask. An important nuance should be taken into account here: the tissue barrier prevents the infected secretions of virus carriers (often asymptomatic or asymptomatic) from entering the environment, but does not protect healthy people when the virus-infected suspension is already in the air.

If you have clinical symptoms of SARS, and you wear a mask, this will protect others. If you are healthy and wearing a mask, it is unlikely to prevent infection by contact with a “maskless” virus carrier.

Common specific influenza prevention measures:

• Vaccination – promotes the production of anti-influenza antibodies before the probable infection with influenza. This is the most effective way to prevent illness. Get vaccinated in the summer, long before the start of the seasonal epidemic. During an outbreak, vaccination is not recommended.

• Chemoprophylaxis – prevents the penetration of the virus into the cells of the body and its reproduction, if the meeting with the causative agent of influenza took place. For this, drugs of the same groups are used as for anti-influenza treatment. They should be taken during an influenza epidemic before symptoms begin, especially if there have been suspicious contacts. For example, after attending crowded events, communicating with people who show signs of a respiratory infection.

Specific measures of primary prevention are closely related to secondary ones. Even if the disease cannot be prevented, most people who are vaccinated and who take influenza drugs have a much milder infection and less likely to develop complications.

Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention measures are aimed at accurate diagnosis, prevention of serious consequences when the signs of influenza have already appeared. Do not ignore the well-known general recommendations that help to overcome respiratory infections without complications:

• Limit physical and mental stress. If you are sick, do not go out, take sick leave, ask your loved ones to temporarily take over your household duties. Rest more, move less.

• Drink more fluids. Especially useful are tea with raspberries, fruit drinks from sour berries – cranberries, lingonberries. Drink only moderately warm drinks – cold and hot drinks injure the mucous membranes, which contributes to the spread of the virus, the addition of a secondary infection.

• Ventilate the room more often. Do it carefully, avoid drafts, hypothermia in the room. Ventilation will provide a sufficient amount of oxygen in it, reduce the concentration of the virus in the room.

Compliance with these rules during the flu will help the immune system defeat the virus on its own . If you neglect the recommendations, the body’s own defenses are weakened.

Follow the doctor’s instructions exactly, do not self-medicate. Some drugs can provoke the development of complications (for example, the use of acetylsalicylic acid – Aspirin in children with influenza) and may be contraindicated in a number of concomitant diseases.

Why an accurate diagnosis is important

The symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish the flu from other SARS. To accurately determine what a person is sick with, a laboratory analysis is needed. Verification of the causative agent of a viral infection helps the doctor predict the course of the disease, assess the risks of using drugs, and make a decision on preventive hospitalization of the patient. The most accurate method for detecting the virus is PCR analysis. The study is useful for representatives of the risk group.

Accurately diagnosing influenza in every person with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection is technically difficult. Performing laboratory tests is expensive and takes a lot of time. Therefore, mass laboratory verification of influenza in Russia is not carried out ¹ . But you can take the analysis privately, for a fee. Many commercial clinics offer this service.

Briefly about the main

➢ Influenza is an acute viral infection from the ARVI group, which is most often accompanied by the development of complications.

➢ At risk for complicated influenza are people with chronic diseases, the elderly, infants, pregnant women.

➢ Most often, the disease is complicated by pneumonia, less often by infectious-toxic inflammation of other organs and systems.

➢ Complications are not always caused by the direct influence of the virus – a secondary (bacterial, fungal) often joins the influenza infection.