Influenza. Past, present, and future.

Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract spread by airborne transmission. Vaccination remains the best strategy for influenza prevention, and is especially recommended for high-risk groups, such as residents of nursing or residential homes, as well as those with diabetes, chronic renal failure, or chronic respiratory conditions. The clinician must realize the importance of active surveillance in addition to symptomatology interpretation and diagnostic testing to reliably and efficiently diagnose influenza. Active surveillance allows the clinician to monitor regional patterns of influenza movement to know when influenza is present in any given area. Surveillance data allows the practitioner to effectively time vaccination programs and implement prophylaxis protocols as indicated. An influenza management protocol ensuring the prompt recognition and management of influenza outbreaks should be devised and implemented for high-risk facilities. Managing clients with influenza requires prompt diagnosis and initiation of therapy, including use of antivirals available for the prevention or treatment of influenza. Because of the severity of morbidity and mortality caused by the influenza virus among older adults in particular, it is imperative that gerontological nurses have expert knowledge related to influenza. The clinician who participates in active influenza surveillance, promotes vaccination programs, implements influenza management protocols, and stays abreast of recent breakthroughs in the arena of influenza research--such as the development of neuraminidase inhibitors--will be able to contribute to diminishing the morbidity and mortality impact associated with influenza.