Title:Severe Influenza: Clinical Features and Treatment Options
Volume: 8
Issue: 3
Author(s): Jake Dunning and Peter Openshaw
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Antiviral, H1N1, influenza, pandemic, treatment, respiratory failure, vaccination, Dyspnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Abstract: The first influenza pandemic in over 40 years was caused by a novel influenza A strain, A(H1N1)pdm09.
Fortunately, most of those infected suffered mild disease. However, a significant minority of young adults and children
exhibited severe illness, sometimes resulting in respiratory failure and even death. In the UK, A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza
also caused a large disease burden the post-pandemic winter of 2010/11, stretching some healthcare resources to the limit.
Although some pre-existing conditions increased the risk of severe disease, pregnant women and those with no underlying
health problems contributed substantially to the total number of hospitalisations. Why outcomes of infection vary so
widely is unknown and optimal personalised treatment strategies are yet to be developed. In this review, we give an
overview of A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza in adults and the evidence supporting pharmacological interventions, with a focus
on the use of antiviral agents.
