Course Summary

Influenza is a highly contagious, viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that occurs most often in the late fall, winter, and early spring. It is a serious infection, which affects millions of people in the United States every year. Influenza vaccine can be effective for preventing influenza illness. It is not fully known if vaccination reduces the risk of subsequent hospital admission among patients with vaccine failure and laboratory confirmed influenza illness. There are guidelines for influenza vaccination based on a patient’s age or complications, or in the event a patient has an adverse reaction to an influenza vaccination.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• The Influenza Virus
  • Infected Droplets
  • Contact Transmission
• Epidemiology of Influenza
  • Annual Epidemics
  • Seasonal Variations
  • Severity and Outcomes
• Vaccination to Prevent Influenza Infections
• Clinical Features of Influenza Infection
• Diagnosis of Influenza
• Complications of Influenza
• Treatment of Influenza
  • Antivirals
  • New Antiviral Drug: Baloxavir Marboxil
• Children and Influenza
  • American Indian and Alaskan Native Children
  • Children Aged 6 months – 18 years with Chronic Health Problems
• Pregnancy and Influenza
• Infection Control When Treating Influenza Patients
  • Standard Precautions
  • Droplet Precautions
  • Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette
  • Mask versus Respirator
• CDC Recommendations for Influenza Season 2020-2021
  • Vaccine Selection
  • High Risk Populations
  • Special Considerations of Influenza Vaccination
  • Anaphylaxis Preparedness and Response
• Case Study 1: Vaccine Effectiveness
  • Discussion
•  Case Study 2: Vaccine Effectiveness
  • Discussion
• Summary

Author

Abimbola Farinde, PhD, PharmD

Abimbola Farinde, PhD., PharmD is a healthcare professional and professor who has gained experience in the field and practice of mental health, geriatrics, and  pharmacy. Dr. Farinde has worked with active duty soldiers with dual diagnoses of a traumatic brain injury and a psychiatric disorder providing medication therapy management and disease state management. She has also worked with mentally impaired and developmentally disabled individuals at a state supported living center. Her different practice experiences have allowed her to develop and enhance her professional and clinical skills over the years. Dr. Farinde always strives to maintain a commitment towards achieving professional growth as she transitions from one phase of her career to the next.