What it means
Influenza A and B viruses cause the yearly flu season. They spread mainly by droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and from touching contaminated surfaces. The viruses change a little every year, which is why the flu vaccine is updated and given every year. Influenza A can also change suddenly and cause pandemics.
For the nurse
Use droplet precautions for a client with flu, and teach yearly vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, cough etiquette and hand washing. Antivirals such as oseltamiviroh-sel-TAM-ih-veerAn oral antiviral drug used to treat and prevent influenza.Full entry work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms.
At a glance
| Spanish | virus de la influenza |
|---|---|
| Also written | influenza viruses |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
influenza
An infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses; the flu.
droplet precautions
Infection control steps, used with standard precautions, for germs spread by large droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking.
oseltamivir
An oral antiviral drug used to treat and prevent influenza.