Acute febrile respiratory illness

Acute Febrile Respiratory Illness
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath
Complications	Pneumonia, respiratory failure
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Typically 1-2 weeks
Types	N/A
Causes	Viral infection, bacterial infection
Risks	Immunocompromised, elderly, chronic illness
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, chest X-ray, blood tests
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, antiviral drugs, antibiotics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Acute Febrile Respiratory Illness (AFRI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. It is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria.

Causes

AFRI is most commonly caused by viral infections, such as those from the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronavirus. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, can also lead to AFRI.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of AFRI include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AFRI is primarily clinical, based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Additional tests may include:

• Chest X-ray to check for pneumonia
• Blood tests to identify the presence of infection
• Viral cultures or PCR tests to identify specific viral pathogens

Treatment

Treatment for AFRI is generally supportive and may include:

• Rest and hydration
• Antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever
• Antiviral drugs for specific viral infections, such as oseltamivir for influenza
• Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed

Prognosis

The prognosis for AFRI is generally good, especially with appropriate treatment. Most patients recover fully within one to two weeks. However, complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Vaccination against influenza and other respiratory pathogens
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals

Also see

• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Coronavirus disease