Pediatria pre prax 5/2008

INFLUENZA, ITS’ VARIETY, PROPHYLAXIS

Influenza viruses are unique among respiratory viruses with regard to their antigenic variability, seasonality and impact to general population. Influenza A, B a C viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae, which characterized by a segmented RNA genome. Clasic influenza presents abruptly symptoms including fever, malaisie, headache and myalgia, going with respiratory symptoms of cough and sore throat. Recovering is often slow, cough and malaise commonly persist for 2 to 4 weeks. Accurate laboratory diagnosis is useful for appropriate management of patient.Despite the availability of improved vaccine and antivirals, influenza remains an important public health problem.

Keywords: influenza virus, laboratory diagnosis, symptoms, preventive measures