Influenza Update

Course overview

RX/NP Objectives: 1. Describe the influenza disease course, symptoms, and diagnostic tests. Recognize people at high risk for flu complications. 2. Describe the determinants for influenza vaccine efficacy. Discuss the rationale for the suboptimal efficacy of the 2017-2018 vaccines, and recommendations for the use of LAIV vaccine in 2018-2019. 3. State the indications, dosing requirements (children and adults), administration routes, side effects, and contraindications for 2018-19 influenza vaccinations. 4. Discuss the use of antiviral drugs for influenza treatment and prevention; be able to apply the current recommendations for their use. Tech Objectives: 1.List the basic differences among trivalent, quadrivalent, inactivated, and live attenuated influenza vaccines. List 2 contraindications for live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV). 2.State the generic and brand names for currently available influenza vaccines; discuss administration routes and age indications for each. 3.Name the antiviral drugs recommended for influenza treatment and prevention; list recommended doses and duration of use, and 2 side effects of each.