111 Influenza 52 Definition Acute, contagious, respiratory infection caused by 1 of 4 viruses arbitrarily named A, B, C, and D, with type A being the most common. Characteristics Fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, occasional gastrointestinal disturbances, pro- found malaise, muscle aches, loss of appetite, temperature elevated to 102ºF–103ºF, in- creased pulse and respirations, reddened throat, tearing of eyes, and possible scattered rales and rhonchi. System onset is often quite rapid, with sudden onset and high fever, general- ized aches, weakness, and malaise. Symptoms can last 3 to 7 days with fatigue and body aches lasting for several more days. If bacterial infection occurs, it usually will occur after 1 week of symptoms. Policy Evaluate employee in the occupational health unit. Advise employee to be homebound until illness resolves and refer to health care provider if needed. Objectives Clinical Assessments and Interventions Referral for Medical Action Suspected bacterial infection. Employee severely ill, debilitated, or pregnant. High (above 102ºF) or prolonged fever. Trouble breathing or shortness of breath. Pain or pressure in the chest. Hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that will not go away. Follow-up Actions Discuss availability of vaccine and review CDC recommendations for immunization, especially if at high risk for exposure to influenza (e.g., health care workers) or if employee has history of heart, lung, or kidney disease. Educate regarding prevention, in- cluding maintaining good nutri- tion, exercising regularly, smoking cessation, adequate rest, and good personal hygiene habits. Assess employee status and commu- nicability of illness. Educate employee regarding symptom relief. Examine employee throat, ears, and vital signs, and auscultate lung sounds. Advise employee to stay home and rest, and to increase intake of fluids to help loosen mucous and reduce fever. Advise employee regarding use of OTC anal- gesics per directions or to contact personal health care provider. Instruct employee to gargle with weak saline solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 pint of warm water), if not contraindicated, to soothe throat soreness. Discuss use of antibiotics for bacterial infec- tion only. Advise employee that personal health care provider may be able to provide medication treatment to help reduce severity of symptoms which should be started within 48 hours, and employee should contact personal health care provider. Advise employees to stop smoking, avoid sec- ond-hand smoke, and avoid alcohol. Advise employee that use of throat spray or lozenges may help relieve the pain. Advise employee to use saline (salt water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in nose. Guideline continues on next page
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