1.Mrs. A.H. has had an acute episode of influenza A, complicated by pneumococcal pneumonia. She lives in a seniors’ apartment building, where a number of residents have had influenza in the past...

1.Mrs. A.H. has had an acute episode of influenza A, complicated by pneumococcal pneumonia. She lives in a seniors’ apartment building, where a number of residents have had influenza in the past month.

1. State the cause of influenza and describe briefly how it affects the lungs.

2. Describe the normal mechanisms that defend against infection in the respiratory tract.

3. Explain why it can be expected that a number of residents in such a building would be affected by influenza.

4. What precautions could be taken by the residents to avoid the infection?

5. What precautions could you take in your particular profession to reduce the risk of respiratory infection for yourself, your colleagues, and your patients?

6. Explain why antibacterial drugs are not directly effective in cases of influenza. Why may they be prescribed?

7. Explain why Mrs. A.H. is predisposed to develop pneumonia.