Hospital Treatment For Flu: What To Expect

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. While most people with the flu have a mild illness and do not require medical attention, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 people die from the flu each flu season in the US, and 300,000 to 500,000 people require hospitalization. For those who are hospitalized, treatment typically involves the use of antiviral medications, which can reduce the severity and duration of the illness. These medications are most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, and they may be administered as pills, liquids, inhaled powders, or intravenous solutions. In addition to medical treatment, patients are advised to get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take medications to reduce fever and pain.

Antiviral medications

There are several antiviral medications used to treat the flu, including oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza). Oseltamivir and baloxavir are taken orally as pills or liquids, zanamivir is inhaled through the mouth using an inhaler, and peramivir is administered intravenously. Treatment durations vary, with oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir typically taken for several days, while peramivir only requires a single dose.

It is important to note that not everyone requires antiviral medications for the flu. Most people with mild illness can recover without medical intervention. However, certain high-risk groups, including young children, individuals over 65, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions, should seek early medical advice and may benefit from antiviral treatment.

While antiviral medications can be beneficial, they are distinct from antibiotics, which target bacterial infections rather than viral infections like the flu. Side effects of antiviral medications can vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. It is also important to follow the provider's instructions when taking these medications to ensure their effectiveness and safety.

In summary, antiviral medications are a crucial aspect of flu treatment in hospitals, especially when started early. They help reduce symptoms, disease severity, and the risk of complications. However, they should be used under medical supervision, and most healthy individuals with mild flu can recover without them.

Hospitalization criteria

Firstly, individuals with specific underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from the flu and, consequently, hospitalization. This includes people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other chronic lung diseases; a history of kidney, liver, neurological, heart, or blood vessel disease, including stroke; diabetes; a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications; blood disorders like sickle cell disease; obesity (BMI > 30); and age-related risk factors, such as being under 5 or over 65 years old. Pregnant individuals are also at increased risk of severe flu and are often advised to seek medical attention if they exhibit flu symptoms.

Secondly, the severity of symptoms plays a crucial role in hospitalization criteria. Typically, individuals are advised to seek immediate medical attention or visit the emergency room if they experience symptoms indicative of severe illness. These symptoms include a high fever (over 103°F/40°C), difficulty breathing, decreased urination, and persistent chest or stomach pain. Additionally, individuals should contact a healthcare provider if their flu symptoms persist beyond seven to ten days or if they experience a fever for more than three days.

It is worth noting that diagnostic testing also influences hospitalization rates. Studies have shown that the use of highly sensitive tests, such as RT-PCR, has substantially reduced the underestimation of influenza-associated hospitalization rates, particularly in adults over 65. Accurate diagnostic testing is crucial for monitoring and guiding public health interventions aimed at controlling and preventing influenza.

Furthermore, certain factors have been associated with complicated hospitalizations and longer hospital stays in influenza-positive patients. These factors include COPD (for individuals aged 15 to <50 and ≥65 years), diabetes (for those aged 15 to <50 years), male sex (for the 50 to <65 age group), hospitalization in the previous 12 months (for the 50 to <65 age group), and current smoking (≥65 years).

Overall, the decision for hospitalization due to the flu is multifactorial and takes into account the patient's overall health, the severity of symptoms, the risk of complications, and the availability of timely medical intervention.

Testing methods

Testing for the flu typically involves a combination of evaluating symptoms and conducting laboratory tests. Here are the testing methods employed:

Evaluating Symptoms:

• Healthcare providers will assess an individual's symptoms, including fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
• In young children, specific symptoms like fast breathing, bluish skin colour, reduced fluid intake, decreased urination, severe or repeated vomiting, irritability, chest or abdominal pain, and high fever warrant medical attention.
• For adults, symptoms such as high fever (over 103°F/40°C), difficulty breathing, reduced urination, persistent chest or abdominal pain, and sudden dizziness are concerning.
• Pregnant women experiencing flu symptoms are also advised to seek medical advice promptly.

Laboratory Tests:

• Mucus Sample Testing: A common method is to test a sample of mucus from the patient's nose using a long swab with a soft tip. This swab is then either tested on-site, providing rapid results, or sent to a laboratory for more comprehensive analysis, with results available within a day or two.
• Blood Tests: Although less commonly mentioned, blood tests are also used to detect the presence of influenza viruses or their antibodies in the blood.

It is important to note that testing for the flu is often recommended within the first 48 hours of experiencing symptoms, as early diagnosis can facilitate more effective treatment options and help prevent potential complications.

Preventing spread

Preventing the spread of flu in a hospital setting is crucial to protect vulnerable patients and staff. Here are some measures that can be implemented:

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice to prevent the spread of flu. All individuals in the hospital, including patients, visitors, and staff, should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. This is especially important after coughing, sneezing, blowing their nose, or touching their face. Proper hand hygiene helps eliminate viruses that may be present on the hands and prevents their transmission to others.

Respiratory Etiquette

Promoting respiratory etiquette is essential to minimize the spread of flu droplets. Patients and visitors should be provided with tissues and reminded to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Used tissues should be disposed of immediately and appropriately. If a tissue is not available, individuals should be instructed to cough or sneeze into their elbow or upper sleeve, not their hands. Wearing masks can also be mandatory for patients with flu-like symptoms and those in close contact with them. Masks act as a barrier, trapping respiratory droplets and reducing the spread of the virus.

Isolation and Visitor Restrictions

Hospitals can implement isolation precautions for patients with confirmed or suspected flu. This involves placing these patients in private rooms or cohorting them with other flu patients. Isolation helps contain the virus and prevents its spread to other patients and staff. Additionally, limiting the number of visitors or implementing specific visiting hours can reduce the number of potential carriers entering the hospital.

Staff Education and Vaccination

Educating healthcare staff about the transmission and prevention of the flu is vital. Training sessions can cover proper hand hygiene techniques, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the recognition of flu symptoms. Encouraging staff members to get their annual flu vaccination not only protects them but also reduces the likelihood of transmitting the virus to patients and colleagues.

Environmental Cleaning

Hospitals should ensure that high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, desks, computers, and phones, are frequently cleaned and disinfected. Environmental services staff should use hospital-grade disinfectants effective against influenza viruses. Regular cleaning of shared equipment helps break the chain of infection.

By implementing these measures, hospitals can effectively prevent the spread of flu and protect the health and safety of patients, visitors, and healthcare workers.

Treatment at home

Treatment for the flu usually involves antiviral medications, which can reduce the risk of severe illness, shorten the duration of sickness, and prevent complications such as pneumonia. However, many people can treat the flu without prescription medications, and here are some ways to do so at home:

First, it is important to get plenty of rest. Listen to your body, and if it's telling you to spend the day in bed, do so. Getting a full eight hours of sleep each night supports your body's ability to fight the infection.

You can also try some natural remedies to relieve symptoms. For instance, chicken soup may help with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections like the flu. Similarly, inhaling steam from a hot shower or using a cool-mist humidifier can ease nasal congestion and soothe a sore throat.

To relieve a cough or sore throat, cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be effective. Gargling with salt water can also help get rid of mucus at the back of the throat and ease stuffy ears.

It is important to note that if you have an underlying condition, are pregnant, or experience severe symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Frequently asked questions