Chapter 108: Influenza, COVID-19, and Other Respiratory Viruses

Learning Objectives

• Understand the biology of influenza virus that leads to “drift” and “shift” in surface protein structure and their impact on vaccine formulation and the emergence of influenza pandemics.

• Recognize clinical situations where there is a need for diagnostic testing to confirm a specific viral etiology in symptomatic older adults and recommend the specific tests appropriate in different clinical scenarios.

• Identify appropriate interventions to control outbreaks of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a nursing home.

• Recognize the appropriate use of antiviral therapies for influenza in seniors.

• Review the biological and other features of SARS-CoV-2 infection that contribute to pandemic spread.

Key Clinical Points

1. The influenza virus has a segmented RNA core that encodes key proteins on the viral surface including hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Annual mutations in the RNA lead to “drift” in these proteins requiring annual reformulation and administration of the vaccine.

2. When entire segments of the influenza RNA recombine in animals, it can lead to an antigenic “shift” and may result in a pandemic as there may be little or no immunity in the population.

3. Detection of influenza virus by direct antigen testing is insensitive in older adults, and a negative test does not rule out influenza infection. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is more than 90% sensitive. Similarly, RSV is best detected by RT-PCR.

4. RSV is clinically indistinguishable from influenza in older adults—both may present subtly or primarily as an exacerbation of underlying chronic illnesses.

5. Antiviral therapy with neuraminidase inhibitors is indicated for treatment of influenza and as chemoprophylaxis for nursing home outbreaks. Supportive care is currently the only treatment for RSV.

6. Influenza immunization is recommended for all older adults. Enhanced influenza vaccines are more effective than a standard-dose vaccine in seniors.

7. Immunization of staff reduces influenza mortality for nursing home residents.

8. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is highest at the beginning of infection, often prior to the onset of symptoms.

9. Symptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 present with fever, cough, fatigue, and dyspnea, though older adults may have atypical presentations.

10. Older adults, particularly those residing in nursing homes, are at high risk of complications, hospitalization, and death as a result of influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 infections.