Due to a recent outbreak, influenza and COVID-19 have been in the forefront of people’s minds. Influenza, in particular, continues to affect all age groups despite it being late in the typical season. In this podcast episode, we discuss the entire course of this disease process; from positive nasopharyngeal swab to downstream ARDS and the complex ventilator management associated with refractory hypoxemia.
Table 1
Groups at risk of influenza complications
| Unvaccinated infants aged 12–24 months |
| Persons with asthma or other chronic pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis in children or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults |
| Persons with hemodynamically significant cardiac disease |
| Persons who have immunosuppressive disorders or who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy HIVinfected persons |
| Persons with sickle-cell anemia and other hemoglobinopathies |
| Persons with diseases requiring long-term aspirin therapy such as rheumatoid arthritis |
| Persons with chronic renal dysfunction |
| Persons with cancer |
| Persons with chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus Persons with neuromuscular disorders, seizure disorders, or cognitive dysfunction—which may compromise the handling of respiratory secretions |
| Adults aged>65 years |
| Residents of any age of nursing homes or other long-term care institutions |
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/background-epidemiology.htm
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2757578
https://www.jems.com/2019/05/13/succinylcholine-vs-rocuronium-battle-of-the-rsi-paralytics/
Hello,
Great job once again. I do enjoy the casual conversation style of the podcasts.
A shameless lug for my program.
LifeFlight Nova Scotia has had a prone transport program for around 3 years now. Initially we proned the majority of the patients. Currently, after increased education within the local health authority the majority of patient are proned prior to transport. Thus far we have transported 11 prone patients without complication. Hopefully, we will be publishing on it in the future.
Fear is the biggest blocker for prone positioning. For hospital staff and flight crews alike.
All you need is some pillows and confidence.
All the best,
David
We are so glad to hear from you! We actually referenced your study during our live presentations regarding transporting the prone patient.