Scientific understanding, rational response to influenza and "white lung"

Recently, influenza has been prevalent among the population. At the same time, the topic of "white lung" has frequently been on the hot search list, attracting widespread attention from the public. Many people are worried about the "white lung" phenomenon that may be caused by influenza, and even blindly and excessively perform lung CT examinations. I hope that through this article, we can help everyone scientifically understand influenza and its possible complications, so as to avoid unnecessary panic.

What is flu? Flu, also known as influenza, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus, which is mainly transmitted through droplets. Compared with the common cold, the symptoms of flu are more severe and the systemic symptoms are more obvious. Patients usually have a high fever, which often exceeds 38.5℃, accompanied by cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and other discomfort symptoms.

People at high risk for influenza include:

Children under 1.5 years old, especially infants under 2 years old.

2. Elderly people over 65 years old.

3. People with chronic underlying diseases, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, etc.

4. Pregnant women.

5. People with weakened immunity.

High-risk groups should pay more attention to protection during the flu season and try to avoid going to crowded places.

What is "white lung"? "White lung" is not a professional medical term, but a popular description of the imaging manifestations of the lungs. In normal lung CT or X-ray images, the lungs appear black because they are filled with air. However, when the lungs are inflamed, infected, or have lesions such as exudation, the alveoli will be filled with inflammatory substances, and large white areas will appear on the image. When the area of ​​the white area exceeds 70%-80% of the total area of ​​the lungs, we call it "white lung."

"White lung" usually means that the lung lesions are more serious, which is common in diseases such as severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). These diseases can seriously affect the gas exchange function of the lungs and pose a threat to the patient's life and health. "White lung" is only an imaging manifestation, and the specific diagnosis needs to be combined with clinical symptoms and other examination results.

What is the intrinsic connection between influenza and "white lung"? Influenza does have the potential to cause "white lung", but not all influenza patients will develop to this serious stage. The main mechanisms of influenza causing "white lung" are as follows:

1. Primary viral pneumonia: The influenza virus directly invades the alveoli and triggers an inflammatory response.

2. Secondary bacterial pneumonia: Influenza virus damages the respiratory barrier and increases the risk of bacterial infection.

3. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): In patients with severe influenza, the body may trigger a strong inflammatory response. This excessive inflammatory response can lead to alveolar damage and fluid infiltration, and eventually develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome with the radiological manifestation of "white lung".

It is worth noting that the probability of influenza developing into "white lung" is relatively low, and it is more common in the high-risk groups mentioned above. Most influenza patients have relatively mild symptoms and can recover on their own in about a week after proper rest and symptomatic treatment.

How to accurately identify the signs of severe influenza? Although most influenza patients do not need to be overly nervous, when the following symptoms appear, it may indicate that the condition is getting worse and you need to go to the hospital for treatment in time:

1. Persistent high fever, body temperature exceeds 39°C, and antipyretic drugs are ineffective.

2. Difficulty breathing, increased respiratory rate, accompanied by symptoms such as wheezing and chest pain.

3. Abnormal mental state, such as mental depression, drowsiness, or even irritability, confusion, etc.

4. Pale or cyanotic skin may indicate hypoxia.

For high-risk groups, once flu symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible and receive antiviral treatment under the professional guidance of a doctor to reduce the risk of developing severe illness.

Reasonable application of lung CT examination? CT examination can be considered in the following situations:

1. Continuous high fever for more than 3 days, accompanied by obvious discomfort symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath.

2. Blood oxygen saturation is lower than 93%.

3. When high-risk groups show signs of severe illness.

How to prevent influenza and "white lung" scientifically?

1. Get a flu shot: This is currently the most effective and economical way to prevent influenza.

2. Strengthen personal protection: Wear a mask correctly: During the peak influenza season, you should wear a mask correctly when going to crowded public places such as shopping malls, hospitals, public transportation, etc.

3. Maintain social distance: Try to avoid close contact with influenza patients and keep a social distance of at least 1 meter from others. In public places, avoid crowding and gathering to reduce the chance of virus transmission.

4. Wash your hands frequently: Use soap or hand sanitizer and run water to wash your hands, which can effectively remove germs on your hands. Wash your hands in time after touching public items, before meals, after going to the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing.

5. Pay attention to respiratory hygiene: When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow to avoid the spread of droplets. Used tissues should be discarded in time and wash your hands.

6. Enhance immunity: get enough sleep; eat a balanced diet; exercise moderately.

7. Seek medical attention as soon as possible: Once high-risk groups develop flu symptoms, do not take medication on their own and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

By mastering scientific prevention and treatment knowledge, and achieving early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment, most patients can recover smoothly. I hope that through this article, I can help everyone to rationally understand influenza, avoid unnecessary anxiety, and at the same time rationally use medical resources to jointly maintain our health.