CONCLUSION
Although the CDC provides periodically updated guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of influenza, nothing takes the place of informed clinical judgment and thorough patient education. All patients with ILI should be instructed to return for further evaluation if their symptoms do not improve within 3 days of onset. The patient should also be educated about the potential complications and encouraged to return if concerned, particularly those patients with underlying chronic diseases or immunodeficiency.
One result of the heightened level of public awareness during the current influenza season is that patients with ILI are just as likely to present with concerns to specialty practices as they are to present to primary care and emergency care settings. Therefore, all clinicians should develop an understanding of influenza viruses and attempt to keep up with the rapidly changing guidelines. This is essential patient-care knowledge for clinicians both in the setting of this current influenza outbreak and for future flu seasons. JAAPA
Kristine Himmerick is on the faculty of the FNP/PA program, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California. She has indicated no relationships to disclose relating to the content of this article.
DRUGS MENTIONED
Amantadine (Symmetrel, generics)
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Rimantadine (Flumadine, generics)
Zanamivir (Relenza)
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