Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and follow-up) and why demographic data are necessary to the health of the community. Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.

Treatments

Treatment for influenza first begins with proper diagnosis to ensure the respiratory illness

is caused by the influenza virus. Due to the generalized symptoms of influenza, it can be difficult

to differentiate from illness caused by other respiratory infections. For this reason, laboratory

confirmation of the influenza virus is the best method for accurate diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic

tests are available that will allow for the detection of the virus within as little as 30 minutes

(WHO, 2004). Once diagnosis is confirmed, treatment begins and largely revolves around

symptomatic treatment only, as it is expected that an otherwise healthy individual will clear the

virus within a week. Symptom treatment options may include analgesics such as Tylenol to

reduce fever and pain, antihistamines to dry out the nose, throat lozenges for sore throat, or over

the counter cold products to provide relief. If the disease is caught in the early stages, within two

days of onset, the administration of anti-viral medication may be administered. Anti-viral

medications work by preventing the virus replication and may reduce the duration of symptoms

by one or two days (WHO, 2004). It is recommended that anti-viral medications be used to treat

all those who are hospitalized with the infection, as well as those who at higher risk due to age or

comorbidities (CDC, 2021).

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