A Case Study Involving Influenza and the Influenza Vaccine

By John S. Bennett

Abstract

This interrupted case study presents a discussion about the benefits of the influenza vaccine between Mary, a nursing student, and her coworker, Karen. Karen is not convinced by Mary’s arguments in favor of vaccination, and she counters with several common rationalizations for not getting the vaccine. Students work in small groups to evaluate the arguments for and against vaccination from the perspective of each woman. In addressing the questions in the case, students learn about the general biology of viral infections, treatment of infections, and immunity. The case was designed for use in an entry-level course in microbiology for nursing students or a first-year biology course for majors.

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Date Posted

05/06/2008

Overview

Objectives

Identify the symptoms associated with influenza.
Distinguish influenza from other infectious diseases.
Recognize that the influenza vaccine does not protect against all illnesses that might be commonly identified as “flu.”
Understand that the flu vaccine is not recommended for all people while others are considered “high risk” individuals.
Recognize that antibiotics are for bacterial, not viral infections, and that secondary bacterial infections (which can be treated with antibiotics) sometimes follow a primary viral infection.
(For nursing students) Address the misinformation that they will encounter among people who choose not to get vaccinated for influenza.

Keywords

Influenza; flu; vaccine; vaccination; antibiotics; antigenic drift; antigenic shift; genetic shift; genetic drift; viral infection; bacterial infection; infectious disease

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Medicine (General)

Microbiology

Nursing

Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, General public & informal education

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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