Influenza and other respiratory viruses
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · May 2014
ReviewNeurological events related to influenza A (H1N1) pdm09.
To review neurological complications after the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, highlighting the clinical differences between patients with post-vaccine or viral infection. ⋯ Fatal cases and severe, permanent, neurological sequelae were observed in the infection group only. Clinical outcome was more favorable in the post-vaccination group. In this context, the relevance of an accurate neurological evaluation is demonstrated for all suspicious cases, as well as the need of an appropriate long-term clinical and imaging follow-up of infection and post-vaccination events related to influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, to clearly estimate the magnitude of neurological complications leading to permanent disability.
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · Nov 2013
ReviewVentilatory strategies and supportive care in acute respiratory distress syndrome.
While antiviral therapy is an important component of care in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following influenza infection, it is not sufficient to ensure good outcomes, and additional measures are usually necessary. Patients usually receive high levels of supplemental oxygen to counteract the hypoxemia resulting from severe gas exchange abnormalities. Many patients also receive invasive mechanical ventilation for support for oxygenation, while in resource-poor settings, supplemental oxygen via face mask may be the only available intervention. ⋯ While these measures are sufficient in most patients, a minority develop refractory hypoxemia and may receive additional therapies, including prone positioning, inhaled vasodilators, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, recruitment maneuvers followed by high PEEP, and neuromuscular blockade, although recent data suggest that this last option may be warranted earlier in the clinical course before development of refractory hypoxemia. Application of these "rescue strategies" is complicated by the lack of guidance in the literature regarding implementation. While much attention is devoted to these strategies, clinicians must not lose sight of simple interventions that affect patient outcomes including head of bed elevation, prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism and gastrointestinal bleeding, judicious use of fluids in the post-resuscitative phase, and a protocol-based approach to sedation and spontaneous breathing trials.
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · May 2015
Review Meta AnalysisHealthcare workers' willingness to work during an influenza pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To estimate the proportion of healthcare workers (HCWs) willing to work during an influenza pandemic and identify associated risk factors, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis compliant with PRISMA guidance. Databases and grey literature were searched to April 2013, and records were screened against protocol eligibility criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were undertaken using a piloted form. ⋯ HCWs' willingness to work during an influenza pandemic was moderately high, albeit highly variable. Numerous risk factors showed a statistically significant association with willingness to work despite significant heterogeneity between studies. None of the included studies were based on appropriate theoretical constructs of population behaviour.
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · Sep 2013
ReviewHand hygiene to reduce community transmission of influenza and acute respiratory tract infection: a systematic review.
Hand hygiene may be associated with modest protection against some acute respiratory tract infections, but its specific role in influenza transmission in different settings is unclear. We aimed to review evidence that improving hand hygiene reduces primary and secondary transmission of (i) influenza and (ii) acute respiratory tract infections in community settings. We searched Medline, Embase, Global Health and Cochrane databases up to 13 February 2012 for reports in any language of original research investigating the effect of hand hygiene on influenza or acute respiratory tract infection where aetiology was unspecified in community settings including institutions such as schools, and domestic residences. ⋯ There was high-quality evidence for a large reduction in respiratory infection with a hand hygiene intervention in squatter settlements in a low-income setting. There was moderate- to high-quality evidence of no effect on secondary transmission of influenza in households that had already experienced an index case. While hand hygiene interventions have potential to reduce transmission of influenza and acute respiratory tract infections, their effectiveness varies depending on setting, context and compliance.
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · Nov 2013
ReviewAre we prepared to help low-resource communities cope with a severe influenza pandemic?
Recent research involving lab-modified H5N1 influenza viruses with increased transmissibility and the ongoing evolution of the virus in nature should remind us of the continuing importance of preparedness for a severe influenza pandemic. Current vaccine technology and antiviral supply remain inadequate, and in a severe pandemic, most low-resource communities will fail to receive adequate medical supplies. However, with suitable guidance, these communities can take appropriate actions without substantial outside resources to reduce influenza transmission and care for the ill. Such guidance should be completed, and support provided to developing countries to adapt it for their settings and prepare for implementation.