Comparison of Influenza, Pneumonia, and COVID-19

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Pathophysiology
Treatment
Diagnosis
Patient Education
Conclusion
References

Introduction

When individuals feel sick and start experiencing different symptoms, they are likely to be confused as to which condition they may have. There is a high chance of someone mistaking the symptoms of one illness for the other. Healthcare providers have constantly encouraged individuals to consider visiting a healthcare facility for proper diagnosis and eventual treatment. In addition to that, the cause of diseases differs depending on the particular agent. In influenza and COVID-19, viruses are seen as the cause, while in a condition such as pneumonia, it is bacteria and viruses. This paper compares the three diseases to discover their similarities and differences based on pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and patient education.

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology refers to disordered physiological processes that can be associated with an illness. It can occur differently in various diseases as is the case for influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19. For instance, in influenza, the transmission of the virus happens when a susceptible person has contact with respiratory fomites or aerosols from an infected individual. Other cell types consisting of many immune cells can be infected by the virus and initiate viral protein production. Nevertheless, viral replication efficiency differs with cell types (Hutchinson, 2018). In the case of pneumonia, any infectious organism that reaches the alveoli is likely to be highly virulent as it has already evaded the physical protection mechanisms of the host. Consequently, they may overwhelm the macrophages, producing a fibrin-rich exudate that fills the infected and neighboring alveolar spaces.

In the case of COVID-19, early in infection, SARS-CoV-2 attacks cells through the viral structural spike protein that binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. The type 2 transmembrane serine protease, available in the host cell, promotes viral uptake by cleaving ACE2 and activating the SARS-CoV-2 protein, which mediates coronavirus entry into host cells (Singh et al., 2020). TMPRSS2 and ACE2 are expressed in host target cells, especially alveolar epithelial type II cells. It appears that the three conditions result from different processes.

In influenza, the virus infection replicates mainly in the respiratory epithelium. In human beings, the respiratory epithelium is the lone site where the hemagglutinin molecule is productively cleaved, thus, producing infectious virus particles. The ferret has conventionally been utilized as a model of influenza transmission as most human influenza viruses do not require any adaptation to infect and transmit amongst ferrets. Research has identified the soft palate as a significant source of these viruses transmitted between people. The soft palate is enriched with α2,6-linked sialic acids, which are preferred by the hemagglutinin proteins in circulating human influenza viruses (Hutchinson, 2018). The enrichment happens in the soft palate of humans too.

After the alveolar spaces are left airless in pneumonia, the result is the proliferation of the neutrophils. This can cause damage to the lung tissue, resulting in fibrosis and pulmonary edema impairing lung expansion. The inflammatory response can cause the development of a pleural effusion, which complicates a significant number of pneumonia cases (Metlay et al., 2019). The changes lead to decreased gaseous exchange (Metlay et al., 2019). Due to this, key organs get deprived of oxygen, and the respiratory effort needed with each breath will be raised as caused by the disturbance of normal physiology. Respiratory as well as heart rate will rise in response to the decreasing oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide levels.

Similar to other respiratory viral illnesses such as influenza, profound lymphopenia may occur in people with COVID-19 when SARS-CoV-2 infects and kills T lymphocyte cells. Additionally, the viral inflammatory response, comprising both innate as well as adaptive immune responses, impairs lymphopoiesis and increases lymphocyte apoptosis (Singh et al., 2020). Upregulation of ACE2 receptors from ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker medicines has been hypothesized to raise susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection (Singh et al., 2020). Large observational cohorts have not found a connection between medications and the risk of infection or hospital mortality due to COVID-19.

Treatment

In the treatment of influenza, antiviral medications are an essential tool in regulating the condition by treating the patient’s infection and assisting in preventing serious illnesses that can be caused by flu. When taken promptly, the drugs can decrease the level of severity of the worst symptoms and shorten the length of the disease by almost one day (Hutchinson, 2018). In the case of pneumonia, mild symptoms can often be treated at home with simple rest, large amounts of fluids, antibiotics, antiviral, and antifungal medications. Painkillers may assist in relieving pain and reducing fever in some patients. Nevertheless, individuals are instructed against consuming ibuprofen if they are allergic to aspirin or have asthma. More serious cases may require hospital treatment or attention from a medical practitioner. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized specific antiviral medicines and monoclonal antibodies to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in individuals who have a greater chance of becoming sick (Singh et al., 2020). Antiviral treatment targets ng in the body, thus assisting in preventing serious conditions and death.

Taking antiviral medicines for a patient with influenza is vital to avoid the risk of complications. Three antiviral drugs are currently recommended for treating flue, including zanamivir, oseltamivir, and peramivir (Hutchinson, 2018). Whereas in COVID-19, the medicines particular parts of the virus to stop it from replicating, these interrupt neuraminidase’s function on the virus surface and prevent the release of viral particles from infected host cells. They can treat influenza A and B cases and have the greatest effect when consumed within forty-eight hours of the onset of flu symptoms. Therefore, this means quick diagnosis, as well as treatment, are critical. In the case of COVID-19, it is encouraged that if someone tests positive and is more likely to become sick from it, they should pursue treatment that can reduce the chances of being hospitalized or dying. Medication must be prescribed by a healthcare provider as well as started as soon as possible after diagnosis to work effectively. Individuals are advised to contact healthcare providers immediately after determining they are eligible for treatment, even if the symptoms are mild.

Taking medicines for the treatment of the three diseases without prescription or failing to complete a course, is highly discouraged. In pneumonia, unless a doctor advises otherwise, one needs to finish a prescribed antibiotics course even if their condition improves. In the event someone stops taking medicine before completion of the course, the bacteria may grow resistant to the drug. After treatment has started, the symptoms steadily get better (Metlay et al., 2019). The major difference between pneumonia and other conditions is that sometimes cough syrup has been used, especially for children. However, healthcare providers continue to advise against it as there is less proof they can be effective. As an alternative, warm honey, as well as lemon drink, can aid in relieving discomfort resulting from coughing (Torres et al., 2021). The cough may remain persistent for about two to three weeks after someone finishes the course of antibiotics, and they may feel tired for even longer as the body continues to recover.

Diagnosis

Several tests can aid in the diagnosis of influenza in a patient. A PCR test, which is commonly used for the diagnosis of the condition, can also be used in the case of COVID-19. In the case of pneumonia, a chest X-ray is the most common test for the diagnosis of the disease (Torres et al., 2021). They conducted on every person suspected of having the illness.

For individual patients, tests are most helpful when there is a high chance of gathering clinically useful outcomes that will aid with diagnosis and treatment decisions. During an influenza outbreak in a closed setting such as a care facility, boarding school, or cruise ship, testing is done (Hutchinson, 2018). Other diagnostic tests available for influenza consist of serology, culture, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, rapid antigen testing, rapid molecular assays, and immunofluorescence assays. Apart from X-rays, blood tests are done in the case of pneumonia to see if the immune system is fighting the infection. Pulse oximetry determines the amount of oxygen existing in the blood as the disease can prevent the lungs from getting adequate oxygen into the blood. To determine the exact levels, a small sensor named a pulse oximeter is attached to the ear or finger.

Even though a healthcare provider uses a sample acquired from the nose, throat, or saliva, for viral isolation, nasopharyngeal specimens have a higher yield than throat or nasal swab specimens (Hutchinson, 2018). In both pneumonia and COVID-19, a sputum test can be done. For instance, if a person is coughing and releasing sputum, that may be used for the process (Yavuz & Ünal, 2020). In addition, a polymerase chain reaction test can be conducted to quickly check sputum or blood samples to find the germs’ deoxyribonucleic acid (Torres et al., 2021).

Patient Education

In the case of influenza, patients are encouraged to take antiviral medicines early as it is particularly vital for individuals who are at risk for flu complications. It is advised that if someone experiences mild symptoms of pneumonia, they can use antibiotics from a healthcare provider and remain at home as they heal. Painkillers can also be used in case one desires to relieve pain or reduce fever. For patients with COVID-19, doctors educate that they need to consume medication prescribed by healthcare providers as soon as the disease has been discovered.

In terms of diet, a meal plan consisting of adequate protein is beneficial for a patient with any illness. Influenza patients are advised to eat the following foods: chicken soup, herbal tea, fruits, leafy greens, garlic, and broth. Foods such as nuts, white meat, beans, seeds, and salmon are encouraged for pneumonia patients (Torres et al., 2021). They repair damaged tissues and build new ones in the body. COVID-19 patients are instructed to take foods such as meat, legumes, milk, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and energy-rich foods. They should also consider supplementation with zinc, vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, fiber, Folate, and iron if they cannot get enough from their diet (Yavuz & Ünal, 2020). About physical exercising, it is almost similar in the three instances.

For example, individuals suffering from influenza are asked to have low to moderate physical exercise as it can be beneficial to the improvement of the symptoms associated with the illness. Regular physical exercise reduces the danger, duration, or seriousness of infectious conditions (Torres et al., 2021). While for influenza patients, it may be moderated, routinely exercising has been shown to better the acute and long-term prognosis of pneumonia in older patients. In 2020, it was determined that a patient with COVID-19 use even small spaces to walk as it can help them remain active. This can be a spot in the house where they are quarantined.

Apart from physical activity, patients need information on how the diseases happen or how they contract them. For instance, it is always recommended that patients avoid touching their eyes, mouth, or nose since the germs spread in this manner. In the event someone is infected, others around them should avoid being near them. It is proper for an individual with a flu-like condition to remain indoors for about twenty-four hours after their fever is gone. In most cases, pneumonia happens when there is a breakdown in the body’s natural defenses, allowing germs to invade. Thus, individuals are encouraged to treat any existing conditions and live healthily. An important point that people, in general, should understand is that the disease is contracted when an individual comes in contact with infected people or surfaces (Yavuz & Ünal, 2020). It is then proper to use sanitizers and avoid crowded areas such as markets, or when someone is in such surroundings, wearing a mask is recommended.

Lastly, diseases are associated with certain complications and this is knowledge that is lacking among patients. A patient with influenza needs to understand that there are complications associated with the condition, including dehydration and bacterial pneumonia. Additionally, the flu can worsen chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart failure. For pneumonia patients, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing shortness of breath, and lung abscesses. Acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, acute cardiac, liver, or kidney injury, and septic shock are highly linked with COVID-19.

Conclusion

The paper has compared influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19 to discover their similarities and differences based on pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. For instance, there is a difference in treatment between pneumonia and influenza, whereby only antiviral drugs are used to treat the latter, and antibiotics, antiviral, and antifungal can be used for the former. Additionally, in both influenza and COVID-19 cases, only antiviral treatment is used for the betterment of the condition. Lastly, when it comes to diagnosis, a PCR test is done for COVID-19 while a chest X-ray is used to determine the presence of pneumonia in humans. The only element that seems almost completely different for the three diseases is the pathophysiology of each.

The paper has shown that regular physical exercise reduces the danger, duration, or seriousness of infectious conditions. Whereas for influenza patients, it may be moderated, routinely exercising has been shown to better the acute and long-term prognosis of pneumonia in older patients. Immediately after the cases of COVID-19 deaths started surging in 2020, doctors encouraged those infected should utilize even small spaces to walk as it helps in remain active.

References

Hutchinson, E. C. (2018). Influenza virus. Trends in Microbiology, 26(9), 809–810. Web.

Metlay, J. P., Waterer, G. W., Long, A. C., Anzueto, A., Brozek, J., Crothers, K., & Whitney, C. G. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of adults with community-acquired pneumonia. An official clinical practice guideline of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 200(7), 45–67. Web.

Singh, A. K., Gupta, R., Ghosh, A., & Misra, A. (2020). Diabetes in COVID-19: Prevalence, pathophysiology, prognosis, and practical considerations. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 14(4), 303-310. Web.

Torres, A., Cilloniz, C., Niederman, M. S., Menendez, R., Chalmers, J. D., Wunderink, R. G., & van der Poll, T. (2021). Pneumonia. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 7(1), 1-28. Web.

Yavuz, S., & Ünal, S. (2020). Antiviral treatment of COVID-19. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, 50(9), 611-619.

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