"Flu killer" suddenly attacks the returning army, do you know these secrets?

As the laughter and joy of the Spring Festival gradually faded, people embarked on the train home with full of warmth and reluctance. However, in this bustling army of returnees, an uninvited guest was quietly "lurking", waiting for an opportunity to give us an unexpected "greeting". That's right, it's the flu! According to data from the World Health Organization, about 1 billion people are infected with influenza every year, of which 3 million to 5 million are severe cases, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. This little troublemaker who prefers to "wander" in winter and spring is very contagious, and if you are not careful, you can be "infected". Therefore, while enjoying the afterglow of the Spring Festival, we must always be vigilant against this "invisible killer".

So, who exactly is influenza? And how should we respond to its "provocation"? Don't worry, let me tell you in detail!

Mr. Flu, full name influenza virus, sounds like a little mischievous kid. Although it is small in size, it has amazing energy! According to research, the influenza virus spreads very quickly and can spread to hundreds of people every hour. It is the "behind-the-scenes promoter" of acute respiratory diseases, and its spread can be described as "booming". Whether it is a strong young man, a lively and innocent child, or an old man who thinks he is in good health, he may become its "prey". Mr. Flu is "on duty" all year round, but from November to March of the following year, it is like "punching in for work", and it is extremely active. During this period, influenza cases usually surge, accounting for more than 70% of the annual influenza cases. At this time, once it is "favored" by it, symptoms such as colds, fevers, and coughs will come one after another, so people also jokingly call it the "winter cold maker".

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The reason why the flu can "do evil" in the crowd is all due to its "unique secrets":

First, the speed of transmission is alarming. It is like a "social star" and can spread rapidly among the crowd through droplets, contact and other channels without being noticed. According to studies, when a flu patient coughs or sneezes, tens of thousands of virus particles can be released, which is enough to infect people around in a short time.

Second, it is highly infectious. This guy is really a "little devil". Even if there are not many of them, you can easily be "infected". Once someone is infected, the virus particles will surge out like a flood. According to statistics, the influenza virus is 10 times more infectious than the common cold virus and is more likely to cause complications.

Third, the incubation period is short. Hey, the flu is impatient, and it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to "break out", with the shortest being 12 hours and the longest being 72 hours, making it hard to guard against. According to medical research, the reason why the incubation period of the flu virus is short is that it replicates very quickly and can reach a number sufficient to cause symptoms in a short period of time.

Fourth, it prefers "crowds". Schools, kindergartens, nursing homes and other crowded places are the favorite places of influenza, and a "flu storm" can be set off if you are not careful. According to relevant reports, the spread rate of influenza in schools and kindergartens is 3 to 5 times that of ordinary communities.

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On the way back from the Spring Festival, the transmission mechanism of the flu is particularly worthy of vigilance. Due to the dense crowds and frequent contact, the flu virus can easily spread rapidly through droplets and contact. When you talk, sneeze or cough in close proximity with an infected person, those small droplets carrying the virus are like "invisible darts" that whiz toward your body. In addition, after touching contaminated objects, touching your mouth and nose with your hands can also allow the flu to "take advantage of the opportunity to enter."

However, we don’t need to panic when the flu comes! Although its symptoms vary, they are mostly mild, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, etc. Sometimes, these symptoms are mistaken for the "common cold". But don't worry, although the flu is cunning, we also have ways to deal with it!

Once you are infected, the first thing you should do is to isolate and rest, avoid crowded places, and prevent the virus from spreading. At the same time, drink plenty of water and rest to give your body enough energy to fight the flu. If the symptoms are severe, such as persistent high fever and difficulty breathing, you must seek medical treatment in time! Early treatment of influenza can reduce the risk of complications and mortality.

In order to effectively prevent influenza, we should take the following measures on our way back from the Spring Festival:

The first is to wash your hands frequently. This is the "killer weapon" to prevent influenza. Remember to use soap or hand sanitizer, follow the seven-step method of "inner and outer arch big wrist", and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. According to the World Health Organization, proper hand washing can reduce the risk of influenza virus infection by more than 50%.

Second, pay attention to personal hygiene. Do not spit anywhere, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. In addition, when entering crowded and polluted places on the way back, maintaining appropriate social distance and wearing a mask correctly can effectively reduce the risk of influenza virus transmission.

The third is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular work and rest, a reasonable diet and moderate exercise can enhance our immunity and keep the flu at bay. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the infection rate and severity of the flu virus.

Fourth, get vaccinated. This is the best way to prevent influenza! Before the flu season comes every year, remember to go to a medical institution to get a flu shot! According to the World Health Organization, getting a flu shot can reduce the risk of influenza virus infection and the incidence of complications by more than 60%.

In addition, it is also crucial to do a good job of environmental cleaning and disinfection. Maintaining indoor air circulation and opening windows for ventilation ≥2 times/day for 30 minutes each time can effectively dilute the virus concentration. If the vomitus or secretions of influenza patients contaminate the environment and objects, they should be disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectants in a timely manner.

The excitement of the Spring Festival is gradually fading, but our awareness of health protection cannot be "taken off". On the way back, pay special attention to hand hygiene and food safety, and don't let the flu take advantage of the opportunity to "attack". Remember to wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, and avoid crowded places. If you are unfortunately "infected", seek medical attention in time, and don't spread the flu to your relatives and friends!

References:

[1] Li Yimin, Yang Zifeng. Interpretation of the Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Influenza (2011 Edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Internal Medicine, 2012, 032(002):105-108.

[2] Wang Aixia, Deng Weiwu, Liu Youning, et al. Guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment of influenza (revised in 2004) [J]. Diagnostics Theory and Practice, 2005(2).

[3] Guo Yuanji, Tang Yaowu. Strengthening surveillance to meet new challenges of influenza[J]. Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, 2003, 24(1): 2-3.

[4] WHO. Influenza (Seasonal). 2023.

[5] Jefferson T, et al. Physical interventions to interrupt respiratory virus transmission. Lancet. 2020.

Source: Zhongxian Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Author: Dai Ying, assistant researcher, and Li Wenrui, chief technician, Zhongxian Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Review experts: Qi Guangchun, deputy chief physician, and Zhang Hong, deputy chief technician, Zhongxian Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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