Nursing Interventions for Influenza Patients from the Clinic to the ER

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While COVID has consumed much of the conversational bandwidth surrounding respiratory illness over the last couple of years, it’s easy to forget that the seasonal presence of influenza is still a significant threat. The CDC’s 2023-2024 preliminary influenza disease burden data shows that, of the more than 34 million people affected by the flu, almost 1 million were hospitalized including nearly 100,000 deaths.

Very young, elderly, and immunocompromised people are all at elevated risk for serious complications from influenza and tend to experience prolonged recovery. Preventing and treating influenza early is key, and nurses shoulder a lot of the burden of assessment and management at healthcare facilities. It’s critical to stay informed, and courses like Solving the Viral Mystery: COVID-19, Influenza, and Beyond ensure nurses are up to date on the latest variants and care standards.

Whether you’re working in a small rural clinic or an ER in a major city, you’ll need to know the following information about nursing interventions for influenza to keep your patients healthy and safe.

Who is Most at Risk?

Vaccine science has come a long way, but even with intelligent use of this resource some people at baseline simply remain at higher risk for complications. While prompt anti-viral treatment paired with vaccination are some of the best tools for prevention and care available, the following groups still face elevated risk:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children under 2
• People with a history of asthma and chronic lung disease such as COPD or cystic fibrosis.
• People with neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions
• People with hematological, endocrine, or metabolic disorders
• People with heart, liver, or kidney disease
• People with a BMI of 40 or greater
• People with immunocompromising conditions or taking medications that can weaken their immune system

Nursing Interventions for Influenza

The flu is a highly contagious virus with the potential to cause serious complications. The following nursing interventions for influenza are crucial in any healthcare setting to lessen the severity of symptoms and reduce the chance of spreading the flu to others.

Isolation Procedures

To prevent the spread of influenza, nurses must implement appropriate isolation precautions for infectious patients to protect themselves and anyone else the patient may come in contact with. This includes private rooms whenever possible, distancing in shared areas, and appropriate proactive precautions for other patients. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and educating the patient on guidelines to limit contact with others can help prevent spreading.

Assessment and Monitoring

Nurses should begin assessing the severity of flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, and respiratory distress, from the moment of initial contact. This includes an across-the-room assessment where the RN can take note of the patient's breathing as well as skin color and condition. A complete set of vital signs and elements of their nursing physical assessment can offer important information related to oxygenation.

Depending on the patient's condition, the clinical setting, and available resources, continuous monitoring may be needed. Thorough, serial assessments related to respiratory status can promote early identification of complications that may include secondary conditions such as pneumonia.

Symptom Management and Supportive Care

An assessment of the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation may reveal the need for supplemental oxygen or assistance in maintaining optimal body position to support improved ventilation. In many cases, nurses will be responsible for administering medications such as antivirals, pain relievers, and fever reducers in coordination with physicians and other specialists. Breathing treatments that include bronchodilators and the administration of fluids can offer patients significant relief, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.

Managing Co-Morbid Conditions

Many patients with influenza may have underlying health issues such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. In collaboration with the medical provider, nurses can help manage these conditions while monitoring the patient's flu-related symptoms and adjusting care plans accordingly. This may include heightened surveillance of the patient's glycemic management or frequent pulmonary peak flow assessments.

Emotional Support

Medical conditions that affect breathing and oxygenation can be scary, especially during in-patient care. Influenza and its complications may lead to feelings of anxiety or frustration in some people—especially children or patients with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Also, those with chronic illness may have had the flu in the past, and recalling that experience can be hard for some people to manage. Nurses can provide emotional support and reassurance, helping patients cope with their symptoms and stay informed about their treatment plans.

Education and Prevention

Educating patients and their families about influenza, its transmission, and preventive measures is a major part of the fight against transmission and severe complications. Patients need to know what puts them at risk, and nurses should deliver fact-based information about management and prevention.

Nurses can begin by promoting conversations on vaccination as they are in a prime position to dispel common myths and misconceptions. Also, simple concepts like good hand hygiene and basic respiratory etiquette may seem obvious, but clear guidance can be a powerful tool for preventing infection. Informing the patient about the disease process and making sure they know the virus needs to run its course can prevent unnecessary trips to the ER or clinic that could subsequently expose others.

Hardwire Nursing Interventions for Influenza

Many of the traditional nursing interventions for influenza that limit the impact and spread of the virus are still the most effective, but healthcare professionals can’t afford to take their knowledge and skills for granted. Each flu season introduces new strains that present unique challenges, and respiratory infections can turn common health conditions into life-threatening emergencies.

Premiere is committed to ensuring nurses have all the facts, resources, and skills they need to identify and treat influenza in any healthcare setting. Courses like Solving the Viral Mystery: COVID-19, Influenza, and Beyond deliver practical information and actionable interventions for a wide range of respiratory illnesses that can ease patient anxiety and save lives.

All of Premiere’s award-winning online courses are developed by industry experts, and make it easy for nurses to develop their skills, build their careers, and meet their professional obligations on a timeline that matches their busy schedule.