Study for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) I. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed feedback. Prepare confidently!

Multiple Choice

A 28-year-old pregnant patient with influenza-like illness; what is recommended treatment or prevention?

Influenza during pregnancy is a high-risk situation, so management focuses on prompt antiviral treatment, prevention, and supportive care. Oseltamivir, a neuraminidase inhibitor, should be considered for suspected or confirmed influenza in pregnancy and started within 48 hours of symptom onset to reduce illness duration and risk of complications. Because pregnancy itself increases risk, treatment is also reasonable even if symptoms have begun beyond 48 hours if the illness is ongoing or severe. Alongside antiviral therapy, provide supportive care such as fluids and fever control, and vaccinate if the patient is not immune to influenza to prevent future episodes. Implement infection control measures to minimize transmission. The other options aren’t appropriate here: doing nothing misses a treatable illness, antibiotics alone don’t treat influenza, and influenza vaccination is not contraindicated in pregnancy and is recommended.

Influenza during pregnancy is a high-risk situation, so management focuses on prompt antiviral treatment, prevention, and supportive care. Oseltamivir, a neuraminidase inhibitor, should be considered for suspected or confirmed influenza in pregnancy and started within 48 hours of symptom onset to reduce illness duration and risk of complications. Because pregnancy itself increases risk, treatment is also reasonable even if symptoms have begun beyond 48 hours if the illness is ongoing or severe. Alongside antiviral therapy, provide supportive care such as fluids and fever control, and vaccinate if the patient is not immune to influenza to prevent future episodes. Implement infection control measures to minimize transmission. The other options aren’t appropriate here: doing nothing misses a treatable illness, antibiotics alone don’t treat influenza, and influenza vaccination is not contraindicated in pregnancy and is recommended.