Kemmerly S A
Section on Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
Ochsner J. 2000 Oct;2(4):224-7.
Between 30,000-40,000 Americans die annually as a result of influenza epidemics. Spread primarily through the respiratory tract, influenza's classic signs and symptoms are the abrupt onset of fever, myalgia, headache, sore throat, malaise, and nonproductive cough. The elderly and patients with underlying medical illnesses may be at risk for secondary complications. Influenza is caused by an RNA myxovirus that exists in types A, B, and C; however, the A and B types are responsible for most human illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the viruses' regular pathway through the US each year as they emerge first in Alaska and spread through the lower 48 states, peaking in activity during the winter months. Influenza is preventable by vaccination (efficacy 70%, depending on individual immune status) and is recommended for everyone at increased risk of complications from influenza between 6 months and 50 years of age, and universally for those over the age of 50. The composition of the vaccine has been changed for 2000-2001 to include two new type-A strains and one new type-B. Currently four drugs are available for the treatment of influenza. Early diagnosis can help reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics and provide the option of using antiviral therapy. Bacterial infections can have similar symptoms or be complications of influenza and should be suspected and treated appropriately if present.
每年有3万至4万美国人死于流感疫情。流感主要通过呼吸道传播，其典型的体征和症状包括突然发热、肌痛、头痛、喉咙痛、不适和干咳。老年人和患有基础疾病的患者可能有发生继发性并发症的风险。流感由A、B、C三种类型的RNA黏液病毒引起；然而，A型和B型是导致大多数人类患病的原因。美国疾病控制与预防中心每年追踪这些病毒在美国的常规传播路径，它们首先在阿拉斯加出现，然后蔓延到美国本土48个州，在冬季活动达到高峰。接种疫苗可预防流感（根据个体免疫状况，效力为70%），建议6个月至50岁之间有流感并发症高风险的所有人接种，50岁以上人群则普遍接种。2000 - 2001年流感疫苗的成分发生了变化，包括两种新的A型毒株和一种新的B型毒株。目前有四种药物可用于治疗流感。早期诊断有助于减少抗生素的不当使用，并提供使用抗病毒疗法的选择。细菌感染可能有类似症状或为流感并发症，如果存在应怀疑并进行适当治疗。
