PubMed · 11615299
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
K Goehl. 1995. [Not Available].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11615299/
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Viral respiratory tract infections, also known as colds, are the most common infection in humans. The majority of these infections are caused by rhinoviruses. Rhinovirus deposition in the nose or the eye initiates infection. The virus attaches to the host cell intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) receptors in the back of the throat. Subsequent viral replication triggers the release of inflammatory mediators and activation of neurogenic pathways, which lead to symptoms. Symptoms occur within 10 to 16 hours after virus entry into the nose and peak on days 2 to 3 of infection. Symptom duration is typically 1 week, although 25% of cases last longer. Understanding the chronology of these events is important in the timing of treatment. Because of the rapidity of symptom onset, early treatment is the key to reducing viral replication and illness. Also, early treatment may reduce the risk of transmission.
Although influenza affects persons of all ages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified several groups who are at increased risk for complications. One such group is residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. During influenza epidemics, mortality rates among nursing home residents often exceed 5 percent. To lessen the impact of this infection, the influenza vaccine is recommended as the primary way of preventing the illness and its complications. Many studies have shown that vaccination of nursing home residents and staff can significantly decrease rates of hospitalization, pneumonia, and related mortality. When an influenza outbreak occurs in a nursing home, several measures can be implemented by the treating physician. Treatment and prophylaxis can be accomplished using antiviral medications such as amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir. The antiviral medication zanamivir can be used in the treatment of influenza, but not for prophylaxis. Once an outbreak has been established, control measures, including vaccination of unvaccinated residents and employees, and limitations on resident movement and visits, can be implemented.
Respiratory tract viruses are particularly significant causes of illness and death in children and in the elderly. Vaccines offer the possibility of decreasing the severity and complications of viral respiratory disease, but development has been delayed by numerous factors. First, there are more than 200 serologically distinct RNA and DNA virus species and strains which cause an essentially similar spectrum of disease. Some re-infect at high efficiency despite little antigenic variation, while others exhibit extensive coat protein variability. Vaccine candidates show variable efficacy in partially immune adults, the immunocompromised and the elderly, and may be ineffective or pathogenic in neonates or in the presence of maternal antibodies. However, effective childhood vaccines are essential to prevent severe disease due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza and to reduce virus transmission to adults. A number of promising vaccines are in clinical trial, and it is likely that vaccines against RSV and parainfluenza will be licensed within the next 5-10 years. Mucosal delivery and the use of novel adjuvants offers the prospect of better vaccines against influenza. The ultimate goal is to develop multivalent mucosal vaccines offering protection against a spectrum of respiratory infections.