Respiratory infections are common at all ages but can often be a challenge to differentiate and diagnose. Rapid diagnostic tests for influenza have improved the medical management of respiratory infections by decreasing the need for ancillary tests and antibiotic use. Avoiding superfluous tests and limiting the use of antibiotics to confirmed bacterial infections have a positive impact on the patient directly and the community indirectly. They reduce the risk of the emergence of bacterial resistance and limits costs significantly. With early diagnosis comes early treatment. This is particularly important because antivirals, which have been shown to reduce the severity, duration, and complications associated with influenza, are most effective when dosed shortly after the onset of symptoms. Following timely postexposure prophylactic administration, these same agents have been associated with reduced infection rates in individuals who had close contact with an infected person. The physician plays a significant role in the proper diagnosis and management of diverse patient populations with respiratory disease, especially fragile populations that are most at risk, such as children, the elderly, and people with comorbid conditions such as HIV, asthma, and other chronic conditions. Physicians, therefore, need to keep abreast of the latest information on diagnostic testing and the medical management of influenza and require seasonally updated information on the epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention of influenza. Preparation for flu season includes an understanding of epidemiological trends, immunization efforts, and treatment options, particularly the therapeutic and prophylactic value of antivirals. That awareness will also aid in influenza pandemic preparedness in the event of an outbreak.

The program is targeted to physicians involved in the treatment of those at risk for seasonal and pandemic influenza.

• Assess early diagnosis of acute respiratory illness as contributing toward antibiotic stewardship
• Recognize complications of untreated viral respiratory infections and discuss their impact on morbidity/mortality

• Discuss the value of antiviral pharmacotherapy and periexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of acute complications of influenza and flu-like illness

• Evaluate and implement strategies to meet the needs for immunization programs that target vaccine-preventable acute respiratory infections

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and HealthmattersCME. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

All faculty members participating in continuing medical education programs sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine are expected to disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations. Faculty disclosures are listed below.

The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity University.

In order to resolve any identified conflicts of interest, disclosure information is provided during the planning process to ensure resolution of any identified conflicts. Disclosure of faculty and commercial relationships, as well as the discussion of unlabeled or unapproved use of any drug, device, or procedure by the faculty, is made known below.

Allison McGeer, MSc, MD, FRCPC

• Grant/Research Support: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Speakers Bureau: Gilead Sciences, Inc, Sanofi Pasteur

Andrew T. Pavia, MD

• Dr. Pavia has no real or apparent conflicts of interest to report, nor any financial relationships to disclose. References may be made in Dr. Pavia’s presentation to unapproved and/or investigational drugs for influenza.

Jonathan L. Temte, MD, PhD

• Advisory Board: Social Care Inc
• Speaker: American Academy of Physicians, Diagnostic Hybrids, Foundation for Better Health Care, Mascot Health Care

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine, accredited provider for this activity, has no significant financial relationships to disclose.

Employees of HealthmattersCME, the joint sponsor for this activity, have no significant financial relationships to disclose.

• Complete this activity in its entirety
• After the activity, go to www.cecentral.com/getcredit
• Enter activity code MEN09195
• Log in or register for a free account
• Complete activity evaluation and get credit. A printable certificate will be issued

Internet Activity

Windows

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• IE 5.0 or later/Netscape 7/Mozilla 1.5/Opera 7/Firefox
• Flash 8 or later

Macintosh

• OS X
• Safari/Mozilla 1.5
• Flash 8 or later

Internet Connection

• Minimum connection of 56Kbps