Taming of the Flu: A 2023 Update on What Is New
December 1, 2023 28 minutes read
AUTHORS
Michael Ullo, MD, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine; Medical Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ
Gregory Sugalski, MD, MBA, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine; Vice Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ
PEER REVIEWER
Steven M. Winograd, MD, FACEP, Attending Emergency Physician, Trinity System, Albany/Troy NY Urgent Care Centers
Introduction
As the fall and winter months descend in the Northern Hemisphere, it is time for healthcare providers to focus on preventing and treating the influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2022-2023 influenza season ran from Oct. 2, 2022, through Nov. 9, 2023, and was characterized as moderately severe with activity that reached pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Hospitalizations across America peaked at the end of December at 8.7 per 100,000 people. There were an estimated 31 million symptomatic flu cases in the United States during last year’s flu season, with upward of 14 million medical visits, 360,000 hospitalizations, and 21,000 deaths.1
CDC estimates from the current flu season (Oct. 1, 2023, to present) suggest 1 million cases of flu illness and between 5,000 to 12,000 hospitalizations. Estimated data are limited as they are subject to reporting delays and because influenza is not a uniformly reportable illness.2 Current seasonal flu data suggests increasing activity in the South Central, Southeast, and Western regions of the nation. Of the publicly available data, the predominant detected strain in confirmed cases is influenza A (67.7%).3
The 2023-2024 influenza season is already among us, and healthcare practitioners on the frontline must have current knowledge of prevention and treatment strategies, particularly in our nation’s emergency departments (EDs).
Background
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness responsible for significant seasonal epidemics each year. The disease is transmitted by the influenza virus, an enveloped ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus in the Orthomyxoviridae family. Despite commonly being a self-limited illness, the virus causes significant morbidity and mortality each year.
Influenza A and influenza B are responsible for most clinically significant influenza infections. Influenza A is primarily implicated in notable pandemics that significantly affect public health. This virus is typed according to the antigenic characteristics of envelope glycoproteins, specifically hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Influenza A has three major subtypes of hemagglutinin (H1, H2, and H3), along with two subtypes of neuraminidase (N1 and N2).
Influenza A and B cause nearly identical symptoms, with the exception that vomiting is slightly more common with influenza B. Influenza A is more severe in adults, while influenza B is more common in children younger than the age of 5 years. Influenza A can move between humans, animals, and birds, while influenza B can only infect humans.
Since Oct. 1, 2023, 303,381 specimens have been tested for influenza by clinical laboratories reported to the CDC, with 5,280 (1.7%) yielding positive results. Of the positive specimens, 67.7% of cases have been identified as influenza A and 32.3% as influenza B. Influenza hospitalizations are most significant in patients aged 65 years and older. Pediatric patients younger than 4 years of age make up roughly 7.5% of all influenza hospitalizations.4
Additional subtypes of influenza, C and D, are less commonly associated with human disease. Influenza C produces a self-limited respiratory illness that is more common in children. Influenza D is believed to have originated in cattle and is mainly responsible for bovine respiratory disease.5
The burden of influenza on the population each year is significant, with as many as 35.6 million cases in the United States from 2010-2020, resulting in up to 56,000 deaths. Of the 35.6 million cases, 710,000 patients were hospitalized secondary to influenza. The widespread use of the influenza vaccine continues to be the most effective prevention method. The CDC estimates that the vaccine has prevented 5.1 million influenza illnesses, 2.5 million influenza-related medical visits, and 71,000 hospitalizations between 2010 and 2020.6
Global Impact
Throughout history, several major global outbreaks of influenza have been documented. These outbreaks are due to the ability of viruses to change their antigenic structure rapidly. While influenza traditionally is regarded as a human disease entity, it is essential to recognize that animals, such as birds and pigs, serve as important reservoirs for viral strains. These unique properties of the virus are responsible for the significant outbreaks that have shaped the history of human health.
While the influenza pandemic of 1918 is perhaps the most well-known of all outbreaks, influenza has affected human history for centuries. The first documented influenza outbreak may have occurred as early as 1510. While it would have been impossible for early historians to know the exact nature of the disease, this illness bore similar traits to the modern influenza virus that is well described today. Historical accounts of a rapid onset fever with respiratory symptoms that occurred via trade routes or in significant population centers suggest that influenza epidemics and pandemics have been present throughout human history.7
H1N1 Pandemic, 1918
The H1N1 avian flu virus had a major worldwide impact from 1918 to 1919. Historical estimates suggest that nearly 500 million people across the globe were infected, representing roughly one-third of the entire population. In the United States, the virus emerged during the spring of 1918, when military personnel were reported to have flu-like symptoms. Transmission of the virus resulted in the death of 50 million people worldwide, with roughly 675,000 deaths in the United States.8,9 In 2005, researchers successfully recreated the virus to learn more about the emergence of pandemic viruses.10
H2N2 Pandemic, 1957-1958
In February 1957, the H2N2 strain of the influenza A virus resulted in the pandemic known as the “Asian flu.” Located predominantly in East Asia, the virus spread to coastal U.S. cities during the summer of 1957. Approximately 1.1 million deaths were documented worldwide, with close to 116,000 fatalities in the United States.11,12
H3N2 Pandemic, 1968
The H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus was first documented to reach the United States in September 1968. The estimated number of deaths was 1 million worldwide, with roughly 100,000 fatalities in the United States.13
H1N1 Pandemic, 2009
In April 2009, a novel strain of the influenza A virus, H1N1, resulted in a significant outbreak of respiratory illness. The strain emerged in Mexico and quickly spread across the United States, with more than 55 million hospitalizations worldwide. Attempts to curb infection resulted in the production of a specially formulated vaccine. The clinical impact of this virus resembled previous strains of influenza; however, increased morbidity occurred among younger adults with comorbidities. In the United States, more than 10,000 patients died due to complications from the infection. The World Health Organization declared that the pandemic was over by April 2010.14,15
H3N2 Variant Influenza, 2011
First identified in 2011, the H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus has been responsible for more than 400 cases of influenza, with the majority identified after July 2012.16 This particular strain was found to originate in swine, with the addition of the M gene from the H1N1 influenza A virus. Most affected individuals reported contact with swine before the illness. Cases of this strain typically are milder and self-limited.
Avian H7N9 Influenza, 2013
The novel avian H7N9 strain was first identified in China in 2013 and has been responsible for annual epidemics during the flu season. As with the H3N2 influenza strain, there is limited evidence of direct person-to-person transmission. Most cases have been associated with the handling of poultry before illness. Patients with confirmed avian H7N9 flu had severe disease, with mortality rates anywhere from 27% to 36%, with pneumonia as a common complication.17,18
Epidemiology
The influenza virus carries a clinically significant health burden that tends to occur seasonally, with peak activity in the winter months. This phenomenon is associated with the antigenic shifts and antigenic drifts seen in the type A strain of the virus. Significant changes in the virus’s glycoproteins, neuraminidase, and hemagglutinin are termed antigenic shifts. These shifts are responsible for significant epidemics and pandemics that affect large populations. Minor changes in the structure of these glycoproteins result in antigenic drift, which tends to result in more localized outbreaks.
The incidence of influenza is difficult to characterize because it is not always diagnosed and varies based on the disease burden during each season or unique epidemic. Furthermore, the incidence varies based on different age groups. The World Health Organization estimates that annual influenza epidemics result in 1 billion infections worldwide, with 3 to 5 million cases of severe disease. The flu is thought to be responsible for 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually.19 Meta-analysis of hospitalized patients in the United States suggests an annual incidence of around 8%.20 Seasonal disease causes 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide and between 5,000 and 50,000 deaths in the United States.21
Flu Season
While the influenza virus circulates year-round, flu season typically is when infection with influenza is the highest. In the United States, the CDC maintains annual data with weekly influenza reports available to the public. The incidence of respiratory secretions testing positive for influenza rises in October and peaks throughout the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.22 (See Figure 1.) Despite this, clinicians must remember that influenza circulates continuously throughout the year and may be present at any time.
Although the flu season typically occurs during the winter months in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, flu season may occur during the year in tropical regions and may affect travelers. Similarly, sporadic outbreaks may occur on cruise ships and with airline travel.23,24
Figure 1. Flu Activity Peak Months in the United States from the 1982-1983 Through 2021-2022 Flu Seasons* |
 |
* There was no discernible peak in activity during the 2020-2021 season due to the uncharacteristic-ally low level of influenza virus circulation that season. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last reviewed Sept. 20, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/ |
Etiology
The influenza virus (genus influenzavirus) is a negative-sense, single-strand RNA virus. (See Figure 2.) Influenza A, B, C, and D have been identified, with types A and B responsible for the bulk of human pathology. The A and B viral genome contains segments of genetic material that encode viral proteins that facilitate viral replication and entry into host cells. The hemagglutinin protein allows for viral entry, while the neuraminidase protein allows for viral release.
Figure 2. Influenza Particles |
 |
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) |
Risk Factors for Infection
Risk factors for infection with influenza are similar to those for other viral pathologies that cause disease in humans. Children without significant previous exposure to the virus are at a higher risk for infection with more severe features. Due to their decreased immune system function and significant medical comorbidities, older adults are at higher risk for severe illness that often requires hospitalization.25
Patients with neuromuscular disease and lung pathology also are more susceptible to infection. This risk is thought to be due to impaired handling of respiratory secretions.26 Pregnant females have an increased risk throughout pregnancy, with a peak during the third trimester that persists through the postpartum period.27
Individuals who are obese are at higher risk of infection because of several proposed mechanisms. Reduced efficacy of vaccination and increased viral replication have been described in patients with a significantly elevated body mass index.28
Pathophysiology
Influenza virus is spread from person to person mainly via large droplet transmission that occurs during sneezing and coughing. Transmission from host to recipient occurs when both parties are within close contact with each other, typically less than 6 feet, since the large droplets do not remain aerosolized for significant periods of time.29
The virus enters the respiratory tract and targets the epithelial cells for subsequent replication. The virus binds to the cell wall by interacting with the virus’s hemagglutinin glycoprotein and sialic acid glycoproteins on the host cell wall. Once the virus enters the cell and replicates, the neuraminidase glycoprotein helps release replicated virions. This process leads to the affected cells’ eventual apoptosis and the virus’s subsequent spread.
Infectious Course
The incubation period for influenza typically is one to four days. Viral shedding is thought to occur within 24 to 48 hours before symptom onset, although there is less of a viral burden than when the patient is symptomatic.29 Peak viral shedding has been shown to occur two days after the onset of symptoms.30 Longer shedding periods may occur with certain patient populations, such as children, older adults, immunocompromised patients, or those with chronic medical conditions.31-33
Uncomplicated influenza infection typically manifests with an acute onset of fever, headache, myalgias, and malaise. Following these initial symptoms, patients commonly experience symptoms associated with respiratory tract disease, such as cough, sore throat, and rhinorrhea.34 Patients with uncomplicated influenza usually recover from their illness within two to five days, although complete symptom resolution may take upward of one week or more, with cough persisting more than two to three weeks in about 15%.
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of uncomplicated influenza mimics other respiratory viral syndromes. Patients often present with the abrupt onset of symptoms within one to four days of exposure to the virus. Symptomatology can range from mild to life-threatening and can last for up to two weeks.35,36
The initial symptoms after infection include high fevers, intense myalgias, headaches, and anorexia. As the infection progresses, patients exhibit respiratory tract symptoms, such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, and a nonproductive cough. The presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, uncommonly are associated with influenza in adult patients. In contrast, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are more common in pediatric patients.
The physical examination often is remarkable for a fever with the presence of posterior cervical adenopathy and erythematous mucous membranes of the nasopharyngeal passages. The oropharynx may appear hyperemic, and the lung examination can vary from benign to rales secondary to superimposed pneumonia. Tachycardia may present as a response to the febrile state or dehydration secondary to decreased oral intake. Children may demonstrate erythematous tympanic membranes suggestive of acute otitis media.
Patients at the extremes of age may present atypically. Exacerbations of underlying chronic medical comorbidities may be the initial presentation for older patients. Careful consideration should be applied when evaluating this subset of patients since diagnosis is not always straightforward.15,35,36
Differential Diagnosis
Influenza presents similarly to other respiratory viruses. A thorough history and physical examination by the emergency physician (EP) can help guide the evaluation of patients for potential etiologies. Upper respiratory infections caused by other viral agents, such as adenovirus, rhinovirus, and coronavirus, present similarly to influenza.
Overlapping symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, myalgias, and cough, can predominate the clinical picture. Other infectious pathologies, such as meningitis, pneumonia, and pyelonephritis, should be considered when evaluating flu-like symptoms. A thorough travel and exposure history should be pursued to screen for other etiologies, such as dengue fever or Ebola. This broad differential can make diagnosis challenging for the EP.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in 2019 and went on to become a global pandemic that has impacted over 771 million individuals and has been implicated in more than 6.9 million deaths worldwide.37 This virus is similar to influenza as both are spread primarily through the respiratory route. History and physical exam alone cannot determine viral etiology. Table 1 depicts common similarities and differences between these two viral syndromes.
Table 1. Comparing and Contrasting COVID-19 and Influenza |
|
Similarities |
Differences |
|
|
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza. Similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19. Last reviewed Sept. 28, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm |
|
Interestingly, between October 2020 and May 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza activity in the United States was the lowest since data became available in 1977. Only 0.05% of the 1 million specimens sampled were positive for influenza. This marked reduction in disease burden has been attributed to decreased travel, increased mask usage, and focus on physical distancing.38
Diagnosis and Testing
Influenza can be diagnosed clinically based on a thorough history and physical examination without the need for routine diagnostic testing during an epidemic outbreak. The abrupt onset of a febrile respiratory illness with systemic symptoms, such as myalgias and headaches, during peak months can guide clinicians toward a presumptive diagnosis.39,40
Laboratory testing is available and should be reserved for instances in which confirmatory testing will affect patient care. In infants and young children, nasal aspirates and swabs are the preferred specimens for testing. Older children and adults should provide specimens from the nasopharynx. In mechanically ventilated patients, endotracheal aspirates or bronchiolar lavage fluid should be obtained for evaluation of the lower respiratory tract.41,42
Suggested uses for rapid diagnostic testing include hospitalized patients, patients with significant medical comorbidities, and documentation for institutional purposes. Testing for both influenza and COVID-19 is recommended when the results will lead to a change in management, such as in patients at risk for progression to severe disease. Individual providers should contact their laboratory for detailed information regarding the performance of the specific diagnostic test used at their institution.
Rapid Antigen Testing
The rapid antigen test can identify viral nucleoprotein antigens in respiratory specimens.41 Data suggest that this testing method carries a pooled sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 98%.42 Although these tests can produce results in as quick as 15 minutes, they tend to have lower sensitivity than reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Polymerase Chain Reaction
The PCR method of diagnosis typically is more burdensome since it can take upward of eight hours and is not always readily available. Despite these drawbacks, PCR analysis may be useful in select patients since sensitivity and specificity approach 100%.43
Viral Culture
Viral culture, typically viewed as the gold standard for diagnosis, has a turnaround time of 48-72 hours. Therefore, it is not used for initial clinical management in the emergency setting and instead may carry a benefit for public health screening.41
Complications
Patients with influenza also may develop more severe complications as a direct result of their infection. Well-established complications include primary influenza pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, myositis, rhabdomyolysis, acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, pericarditis, central nervous system involvement, and toxic shock syndrome.
Although it is one of the rarest complications of influenza infection, primary influenza pneumonia is considered to be one of the most severe complications. Clinicians should consider primary pneumonia in patients with persistent symptoms and recurrent fevers. Subsequent secondary bacterial pneumonia frequently is recognized as a complication in patients older than 65 years of age.44 Radiologic chest imaging can assist with diagnosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacteria implicated. Clinicians also should recognize the increasing prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a causative agent.45,46
Management
The mainstay of management for most adults and children infected with the influenza virus remains supportive care since the disease state usually is self-limited. Otherwise healthy patients without significant comorbidities may achieve symptomatic relief with over-the-counter medications and adequate oral hydration.
When initiated promptly, antiviral therapy has been shown to play a role in shortening the duration of influenza symptoms. The greatest benefit of these medications has been demonstrated when given to febrile patients within the first 24 to 30 hours of presentation.47-49
The two major classes of antiviral medications for influenza are neuraminidase inhibitors (oral oseltamivir, intranasal zanamivir, and intravenous peramivir) and adamantanes (oral amantadine and rimantadine). Because of concerns that adamantanes are effective only against influenza A and that most viral strains are highly resistant to this drug class, their use is not routinely recommended. Consequently, neuraminidase inhibitors predominate as the antiviral therapy of choice when treating suspected or confirmed cases of influenza in the overwhelming majority of patients.50
Current clinical guidelines from the CDC and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend initiation of neuraminidase inhibitors as soon as possible with confirmed or suspected cases of influenza in patients with severe illness, hospitalized patients, and patients at high risk of complications. The decision to administer therapy should not be delayed or depend on the results of diagnostic testing.42,50
Conversely, healthy adults and children with presumed or confirmed influenza may be treated electively as outpatients with neuraminidase inhibitors. Studies in these populations demonstrated a small decrease in duration of illness in adults by approximately one day.51 Shared decision-making with the patient on a case-by-case basis can help guide the decision to initiate medical therapy.
Oseltamivir (U.S. brand name: Tamiflu) currently is one of the most frequently prescribed medications used in the management of influenza. The typical dosage regimen for oseltamivir is described in Table 2. Adult patients with a creatinine clearance less than 60 should have their dose adjusted to 30 mg twice daily.52 While the drug was formerly considered pregnancy class C, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends presumptive treatment with antiviral medication during pregnancy.50
Treatment should be initiated within 48 hours of the onset of illness and continued for five days. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Table 2. Oseltamivir Dosing for Oral Treatment52 |
Adults |
|
Children (1-12 years of age) |
|
Infants (2 weeks to less than 1 year of age) |
|
Patients who require hospitalization or who are deemed to be at high risk for influenza complications should be treated with a neuraminidase inhibitor regardless of duration of symptoms. These risk factors include age older than 65 years, pregnancy, and chronic comorbid medical conditions. Initiation of therapy should not be delayed while waiting for diagnostic or confirmatory testing.50,53
Chemoprophylaxis for patients with exposure to suspected or confirmed cases of influenza remains a controversial topic. In general, routine use of chemoprophylaxis with antivirals is not recommended. Patients exposed to influenza who are at high risk for complications and cannot be vaccinated because of contraindications should be considered as candidates.50 For appropriate patients older than 1 year of age, post-exposure prophylaxis oseltamivir regimen is the treatment dose administered only once a day for 10 days.
In October 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of single-dose baloxavir marboxil (U.S. brand name: Xofluza) for treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza in people 12 years of age and older.54 This oral medication works by blocking messenger RNA (mRNA) synthesis of endonucleases responsible for viral proliferation.55 Results from a randomized controlled trial comparing baloxavir marboxil to oseltamivir and placebo demonstrated superiority in the reduction of viral load one day after initiation of pharmacotherapy for patients receiving baloxavir marboxil.56 It remains unclear whether baloxavir marboxil is superior to oseltamivir for hospitalized or immunocompromised patients, or in those with neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza infections.57
In October 2019, baloxavir was approved by the FDA for expanded indications including those with potential high-risk complications. One randomized trial showed that baloxavir had a shorter median time to resolution when compared to oseltamivir or placebo.56
Antiviral resistance is continuously being monitored by the CDC. Almost all specimens tested during the 2021-2022 flu season continued to be susceptible to the commonly prescribed oral agents. Without any significant resistance changes, the CDC did not change its guidance on medication management for influenza.58
COVID Therapeutics
While the clinical syndrome of COVID and influenza may overlap, treatment strategies rely on different medication agents. Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritanovir) is an antiviral agent approved in the United States for adults and children aged 12 and older. This oral medication should be started as soon as possible and within five days of symptom onset for patients at high risk of progressing to severe disease. Caution is advised when prescribed, as many drug-drug interactions may preclude its use. Veklury (remdesivir) is an intravenous antiviral medication approved for COVID in adults and children. This medication must be administered for three consecutive days, typically at a healthcare facility. Similar to Paxlovid, this medication should be administered as soon as possible, within seven days of symptom onset.59
Prevention
Vaccination remains the cornerstone for primary prevention of the flu. Because annual influenza vaccines are typically 40% to 60% effective in reducing seasonal infections, there remains significant potential for disease despite vaccination.60
Given the high rates of new strains that develop from significant antigenic variation, vaccines are reformulated annually to match expected circulating strains. These formulations generally are developed six months before flu season based on surveillance data from the previous year.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for yearly administration in patients aged 6 months and older who do not have any known contraindications for vaccination. This includes pregnant women (regardless of gestational age) and women who are breastfeeding.61 (See Table 3.)
Table 3. Influenza Vaccines68 |
|||
Brand Name |
Type |
Age |
Precautions |
Afluria Quadrivalent |
Inactivated influenza virus |
Various |
|
Fluarix Quadrivalent |
Inactivated influenza virus |
≥ 6 months |
|
FluLaval Quadrivalent |
Inactivated influenza virus |
≥ 6 months |
|
Fluzone Quadrivalent |
Inactivated influenza virus |
Various |
|
Flucelvax Quadrivalent |
Inactivated influenza virus |
≥ 4 years |
|
Fluzone High-Dose |
Inactivated influenza virus |
≥ 65 years |
|
Fluad |
Inactivated influenza virus |
≥ 65 years |
|
Flublok Quadrivalent |
Recombinant hemagglutinin |
≥ 18 years |
|
FluMist Quadrivalent |
Live, attenuated virus |
2 through 49 years |
|
United States vaccine supplies for the 2023-2024 flu season are expected to reach 170 million doses. All vaccines are quadrivalent for the current flu season, meaning they will protect against two influenza A and two influenza B viruses. As of Nov. 4, 2023, 147.47 million doses have been administered.62
Recently, researchers have been working on the establishment of a universal vaccination. This vaccine would function to elicit the creation of protective antibodies in vaccinated patients against well-conserved viral proteins.63,64
Similar to influenza, the FDA has authorized or licensed vaccines designed to prevent COVID. According to the CDC, 81.4% of Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, with more than 95% administration in patients age 65 years and older. A significant drop-off has been observed, with an estimated 17% of all Americans receiving an updated booster. The CDC continues to maintain and track data to understand vaccine effectiveness.65
Disposition
Outpatient Management
The vast majority of patients diagnosed with influenza from the ED may be discharged safely home with strong return precautions. Patients discharged from the ED should follow up with a primary care provider for reevaluation in two days for reexamination and monitoring of the patient’s clinical course. Prior to discharge, patients should demonstrate an ability to ambulate steadily and tolerate oral intake without any difficulty. Additionally, vital signs should be reevaluated prior to discharge planning for persistent hypoxemia, tachycardia, or tachypnea. The febrile state is expected with the disease process, and clinicians should consider the effects of administration of antipyretics when evaluating the significance of fever in the ED.
Discharge instructions should educate patients on signs and symptoms that should prompt a patient to seek immediate medical attention. Persistent fevers, inability to tolerate oral intake, confusion, or changes in mental status should be reinforced clearly as reasons to return to the ED.
On discharge, patients diagnosed with influenza should be educated on hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette to decrease the risk of viral spread.
Supportive care with antipyretics, rest, and hydration are the mainstays of outpatient therapy. Treatment with an antiviral agent may be initiated without diagnostic testing in the appropriate clinical setting. Patients should be counseled regarding the risks and benefits of medical therapy before initiation with a neuraminidase inhibitor.
Observation
Certain patients may benefit from observation in the hospital or ED depending on institutional practices. Patients should be placed on droplet precautions to limit the spread of viral illness within the healthcare facility.66 The observation setting may be a useful disposition for patients who may benefit from serial cardiopulmonary examinations and/or intravenous hydration secondary to clinically significant dehydration. Patients at the extremes of age without significant medical comorbidities may benefit from this extended period of medical observation.
Prior to discharge, patients should be re-evaluated for symptomatic control and ability to tolerate oral intake. If a patient’s clinical response to symptomatic therapy fails to improve, strong consideration should be given for admission to the hospital for further management in the inpatient setting.
Hospitalization
Over the past eight years, more than 700,000 patients have required hospitalization because of influenza.6 From 2021-2022, approximately 100,000 individuals were hospitalized in the United States for influenza.67 The decision to admit a patient to the hospital for flu can be particularly challenging, as no well-validated scoring system exists to guide disposition. This decision should be based on clinical judgment in conjunction with assessment of the patient’s risk factors and disease burden.
A subset of patients presenting to the ED should be considered strongly for admission to the hospital because of concern for decompensation from the viral illness. Adults older than 65 years of age, pregnant women, children younger than 5 years of age, as well as individuals with comorbid conditions should be considered for admission.53 (See Table 4.) Additionally, patients who previously were evaluated by a medical provider and who failed to improve with outpatient management should be considered.
Table 4. Comorbid Conditions That Increase the Risk of Influenza Complications53 |
|
HIV/AIDS: human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
Patients with influenza may deteriorate to acute respiratory distress syndrome, requiring possible intubation and intensive care for hypoxemic respiratory failure. In these patients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may serve as bridge therapy during the acute illness.66 The EP should proceed cautiously with patients who present with hypoxemia because these patients may progress to respiratory failure.
Patients who are deemed to be at high risk for worsening of clinical conditions due to comorbidities or changes in mental status should be screened for intensive care admission when available. Consultation with a pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist can be obtained in the inpatient setting depending on a patient’s clinical course or past medical history when applicable.
Summary
Influenza outbreaks occur each year, with their nature and extent largely determined by the virus’s glycoprotein structure and antigenic properties. These outbreaks typically occur during the winter months and can confer high morbidity to the general patient population. Increased mortality rates are seen in young children, older adults, and those with chronic comorbid medical conditions.
During the winter months, EPs should maintain a high suspicion for influenza in all patients presenting with an acute febrile respiratory illness. While the differential diagnosis is broad, the history and physical examination can guide the EP toward a presumptive diagnosis without the need for additional testing. Laboratory testing is available and should be reserved for those patients in whom the diagnosis may change the patient’s clinical management.
Treatment is indicated for patients with severe disease or those at risk for complications. Initiation of antiviral treatment should be within 48 hours of symptom onset, while the vast majority of otherwise healthy patients can be managed with supportive care only. Complicated cases of influenza may require hospitalization and treatment with antiviral therapy regardless of symptom duration.
Prevention against the influenza virus is achieved primarily through the annual influenza vaccine. This vaccine attempts to protect patients from the most commonly circulating strains of the virus. This is accomplished by obtaining routine surveillance data about viral characteristics during each flu season.
Emerging therapy, including single-dose antiviral medications and universal vaccination, may shape the rapidly evolving nature of the influenza virus and its burden on human health.
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The 2023-2024 influenza season is already among us, and healthcare practitioners on the frontline must have current knowledge of prevention and treatment strategies, particularly in our nation’s emergency departments.
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