In mid-to-late November, influenza activities will begin to gradually increase, after which my country will gradually enter the influenza epidemic season from north to south.

The flu is not the common cold

The flu is not the common cold. The common cold is often caused by a cold or respiratory disease caused by pathogens such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, bacteria, etc. It is not highly contagious and has mild symptoms and is self-limiting.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus (A and B influenza virus) infection. It is mainly transmitted through its short-range respiratory droplets. It can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and eyes. A cluster epidemic occurred in the gathering place.

Influenza has a rapid onset and is mostly self-limiting, but some can develop into severe influenza due to complications such as pneumonia. A few severe cases progress rapidly and may die due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and/or multiple organ failure.

The symptoms of influenza are the main basis for clinical routine diagnosis and treatment. Influenza generally manifests as acute onset, fever (high fever may occur in some cases, reaching 39℃~40℃), cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, body pain, Symptoms such as chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The symptoms and signs of influenza lack specificity and are easily confused with the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections. The diagnosis of influenza depends on laboratory diagnosis. Testing methods include viral nucleic acid testing, virus isolation and culture, antigen testing and serological testing.

Influenza is generally susceptible to people. Severe influenza mainly occurs in high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women or those with chronic underlying diseases, and can also occur in the general population.

What happens if I get the flu? Most people have mild symptoms and can heal on their own within a week. Part of the population, especially pregnant women, children, the elderly, patients with chronic diseases and other high-risk populations, can cause complications, severe clinical consequences and even death after influenza infection. It is necessary to pay close attention to the changes in the condition of critically ill patients and high-risk groups.

Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, which can significantly reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications. Influenza virus is prone to mutation, and the immunity of vaccination will gradually weaken over time, so influenza vaccine needs to be vaccinated every year.

Influenza vaccine is safe and effective, and is the best way to prevent influenza. In most years, influenza vaccines match well with influenza epidemic strains and have good protection. Influenza vaccination is safe. Only a few minor adverse reactions such as redness, swelling, heat pain, lethargy, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea occur at the injection site, which usually disappear by themselves within a few days, and severe reactions rarely occur.

In principle, all people who are 6 months old and above who are willing to get the flu vaccine and have no contraindications can get the flu vaccine.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children from 6 months to 5 years old, elderly people 60 years and older, patients with chronic diseases, medical staff, family members and caregivers of infants under 6 months of age, pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant during the flu season as priority vaccinations . Medical staff should recommend that the public and patients receive influenza vaccination every year to increase the influenza vaccination rate.

In order to be protected before the flu season, it is best to complete the immunization before the end of October. If you miss the time, you can also vaccinate at any time during the epidemic season. In the same flu season, people who have completed flu vaccination do not need to repeat vaccination.

Trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines should be vaccinated. Trivalent vaccines should contain one of the A H1N1, H3N2 and B influenza viruses. The quadrivalent vaccine adds a B influenza virus. Both types of vaccines can prevent influenza infection. There is no priority recommendation. You can voluntarily receive either influenza vaccine.

Taking daily protective measures can effectively reduce the infection and spread of influenza: wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate rest.

For people at high risk of severe influenza who have not been vaccinated or have not acquired immunity after vaccination, drug prevention should be carried out after contact with influenza patients, using oseltamivir, zanamivir, etc., but drug prevention is an emergency temporary preventive measure. Not a substitute for vaccination.

Generally, after symptoms appear, patients are advised to rest at home and keep the room ventilated. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and your diet should be easy to digest and nutritious. Minimize contact with others to avoid infection. The focus of treatment is to relieve flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough. Patients should be closely monitored for changes in their condition. Once there is a persistent high fever, accompanied by severe cough, dyspnea, mental changes, severe vomiting and diarrhea, they should seek medical treatment promptly.