Author
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
- Pharmacist
- 2.0
- 8/30/2022
- 8/30/2025
- Knowledge
- 0669-0000-22-019-H06-P
- Immunizations
- 20-943090
Course Summary
Influenza is a highly contagious viral illness of the respiratory tract that occurs most often in the late fall, winter, and early spring. It affects millions of people in the United States and millions more worldwide every year. Influenza vaccines can be effective at preventing influenza, decreasing the severity of illness, and may reduce the need for hospitalization. Vaccine efficacy varies based on the influenza variant, the severity of a particular flu season, and differences in the vaccination that are prepared for a particular flu season. In some cases, treatment may include antiviral medication.
Course Objectives
- Identify the types and spread of influenza virus as a worldwide concern
- Describe the environmental and behavioral factors of the influenza virus
- Compare the risks and corresponding complications of influenza, and the benefits and risks of vaccination
- Identify influenza prevention, immunization, treatment, and preparedness in the event of an adverse reaction
I. Introduction
II. Influenza Virus
1. Infected Droplets
2. Contact Transmission
III. Epidemiology of Influenza
1. Annual Epidemics
2. Seasonal Variations
3. Severity and Outcomes
IV. Clinical Features and Diagnosis
V. Complications of Influenza
VI. Treatment and Prevention of Influenza Infection
1. Annual Vaccination and Vaccine Efficacy (VE)
2. Antivirals
VII. Infection Control
VIII. Children and Pregnant Women
1. Children
2. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Pregnancy
IX. Role of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians and Interns
X. Recommendations: Influenza Season 2022-2023
1. Vaccine Selection
2. High-Risk Populations
3. Medical Conditions and History of Egg Allergies
4. Travelers and Influenza Vaccination
XI. Special Considerations of Influenza Vaccination
1. Vaccine Administration
2. Vaccination Adverse Reactions
3. Anaphylaxis Preparedness and Response
XII. Summary
Preview the Materials
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Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in the development of this activity: Susan DePasquale, MSN, PMHNP-BC, Amanda Mayer, PharmD, and Jeff Goldberg, PharmD. There are no financial relationships relevant to this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice.
Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits.
Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby.
Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.