Which of the following infections is an airborne viral infection?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
It is transmitted from person to person primarily through respiratory droplets and smaller aerosols generated when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Among the given options, influenza is the only infection caused by a virus, making it the correct answer for a 'viral infection'.

Option B: Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, not a virus.
Option C: Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Option D: Streptococcal sore throat, commonly known as strep throat, is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Differentiating between viral and bacterial respiratory infections and their modes of transmission helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Correctly identifying the pathogen type (viral vs. bacterial) is crucial for determining appropriate treatment, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses like influenza.
Nurses must implement appropriate transmission-based precautions. For droplet-transmitted infections like influenza, this includes wearing a surgical mask, practicing hand hygiene, and educating the patient on respiratory etiquette.
What if? If a patient were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) instead, strict airborne precautions (N95 respirator, negative-pressure isolation room) would be mandatory, as TB is transmitted via smaller, more persistent airborne particles (aerosols).

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question's core requirement: it asks for an infection that is both 'airborne' and 'viral'.
Review each option and recall or determine its causative agent.
Categorize each agent as either viral or bacterial.
Influenza is caused by a virus. Diphtheria, whooping cough, and streptococcal sore throat are all caused by bacteria.
Based on this initial filter, Influenza is the only possible correct answer as it's the only viral infection listed.
Confirm that influenza is transmitted via the airborne/droplet route, which it is. This solidifies it as the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differentiating between viral and bacterial respiratory infections and their modes of transmission.
Stem keywords: infections, airborne, viral
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.