Snowy Owl
Retired in 2010, In Memoriam
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. The most familiar aspect of the flu is the way it can "knock you off your feet" as it sweeps through entire communities.
The flu differs in several ways from the common cold, a respiratory infection also caused by viruses. For example, people with colds rarely get fevers or headaches or suffer from the extreme exhaustion that flu viruses cause.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others. Although most people recover from the illness, CDC estimates that in the United States more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
1. Recognize the connection between influenza strains in previous pandemics to the modern avian flu;
2. Understand the role of birds in spreading all influenza viruses;
3. Differentiate between primary viral pneumonia and secondary bacterial pneumonia in influenza patients;
4. Understand how yearly 'flu vaccines' are selected and developed;
5. Review the methods of preventing and treating influenza;
6. Identify the 'at most risk' populations for avian flu; and
7. Discuss actions to be taken if a new influenza pandemic arises.
Accreditation
Medicine
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits?. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.
Target Audience
Physicians
Faculty
James R. McCormick, MD, FCCP
Chief Pulmonary Section
VA Medical Center
Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center
Faculty Disclosure
Dr. McCormick has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Cost
Free