Prevention and Management of Influenza and Respiratory Tract Viruses

Prevention Strategies

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends performing hand hygiene (alcohol-based hand rub or handwashing with soap and water) frequently, especially after contact with respiratory secretions, to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses 2, 4
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and coughing or sneezing into the elbow rather than the hand to reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses 2, 5
• The CDC also recommends using tissues to contain respiratory secretions and disposing of them properly in the nearest waste receptacle to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses 2, 6
• The American College of Rhinology advises avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses 3
• Maintaining at least 3 feet of distance between symptomatic individuals and others in common waiting areas when possible can help reduce the transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses 2, 5
• Restricting young children from visiting high-risk patients can help reduce the risk of virus exposure and prolonged shedding 4
• The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends considering postponing routine healthcare visits during peak epidemic periods to reduce the transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses 7
• Annual vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing influenza, according to the CDC 1
• Vaccination should be prioritized for high-risk groups and their contacts, as recommended by the CDC 1

Treatment Strategies

• The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends maintaining adequate hydration and rest for patients with influenza and other respiratory viruses 4
• Using antipyretics and analgesics as needed for symptom relief can help manage the symptoms of influenza and other respiratory viruses 4
• Monitoring for complications, especially in high-risk patients, is crucial in the management of influenza and other respiratory viruses 4

Special Populations

• The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends that leukemia patients and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients avoid contact with individuals with respiratory tract infections 4
• These patients should be tested for community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs) if symptomatic, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 4
• Considering deferral of conditioning therapy if infected can help reduce the risk of complications in HSCT patients 4
• For respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in HSCT patients, considering ribavirin treatment can help manage the infection 4

Healthcare Settings

• Implementing infection control measures for symptomatic patients, such as isolation rooms with strict protection measures, can help reduce the transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses in healthcare settings 4
• Separating facilities for outpatients with respiratory infections can also help reduce the transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses in healthcare settings 4
• Restricting healthcare workers with respiratory infections from patient contact can help reduce the transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses in healthcare settings 4
• Considering screening high-risk patients during peak respiratory virus seasons can help identify and manage infections early 4

Diagnostic Approach

• Specimens should be taken from the site of clinical involvement (pooled swabs for upper respiratory tract infections, bronchoalveolar lavage for lower respiratory tract infections) to diagnose influenza and other respiratory viruses 4