Approach to the Critical Patient

Immediate threats

Resuscitation priorities

Infection control

Transmission controls

Early treatment decision points

Antiviral treatment triggers

Supportive care targets

Physiologic targets

Consultation triggers

Escalation pathways

History

Symptom pattern and timing

Illness timeline

Risk and exposure

Exposure context

Host risk factors

Red flag symptoms

Danger features

Medication and prevention

Treatment history

Prevention history

Physical Exam

Vitals and general

Severity markers

Hydration status

Respiratory

Lung assessment

Cardiovascular and neurologic

Cardiac findings

Neurologic findings

PITFALLS

Missed complications

Differential Diagnosis

Viral and atypical respiratory

Respiratory viral syndromes

Atypical pneumonias

Bacterial and high risk mimics

Bacterial infections

Life threatening mimics

Coding aligned problem list

Influenza coding anchors

Laboratory Tests

Core labs by severity

Baseline assessment

Sepsis and organ dysfunction

Targeted labs for complications

Diagnostic Tests

Scoring Systems

Risk stratification tools

MRI

Neurologic complications imaging

CT

Pulmonary and complication imaging

Ultrasound

Point of care ultrasound applications

Virologic testing

Influenza specific testing

Disposition

Discharge criteria

Safe outpatient pathway

Admission criteria

Inpatient indications

ICU criteria

Critical care indications

Treatment

Supportive care

Symptom and physiologic support

Antiviral therapy

Neuraminidase and endonuclease inhibitors

Antibiotics and complications

Bacterial coinfection management

Therapies to avoid

Harm reduction

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Maternal fetal considerations

Geriatric

Older adult risks

Pediatrics

Child specific considerations

Background

Epidemiology

Seasonal patterns and prevention

Pathophysiology

Disease mechanism

Therapeutic Considerations

Evidence framework

Patient Discharge Instructions

copy discharge instructions

Home care plan

Return to ED immediately

Follow up

References

Clinical guidelines and public health

CDC influenza antiviral medications summary for clinicians

CDC antiviral dosing table for treatment and chemoprophylaxis

IDSA seasonal influenza clinical practice guideline

CDC rapid influenza diagnostic tests clinician guidance

CDC ACIP influenza vaccine recommendations summary

NACI statement on seasonal influenza vaccines 2025 to 2026

ACOG influenza in pregnancy prevention and treatment practice advisory

Ontario Health recommendations for antiviral therapy of seasonal influenza

Evidence grading notes

IDSA uses graded recommendations including A-I strength and quality

ACEP Level A B C policy statements not identified for seasonal influenza antiviral selection

Class I IIa IIb terminology not routinely used in influenza guidelines

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.