INFECTIOUS DISEASE CASE STUDY 11: Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza A
The patient was a 3-year-old male who presented with a 4-day history of fevers. He became acutely ill and vomited during lunch. Over the next 4 days, he developed fevers as high as 104°F that were controlled by Tylenol. He also developed a cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. He was very sleepy. He also displayed slight swelling in his feet.
Other pertinent info: He attended daycare, which his parents reported as being "full of sick children," and has a 1-year-old sibling who just started experiencing some wheezing and a productive cough. His respiratory examination was normal.
Laboratory findings from his bloodwork were all normal, but he tested positive for RSV and Influenza.
4. Considering the vaccine described in #3 above, give 2 reasons why some people refuse to give their children vaccinations for preventable illnesses?
5. True or False: Herd immunity is important in protecting those individuals in the population who cannot be vaccinated due to other health concerns.
6. Describe the treatments available for each of these viruses.