Popular Science | How to deal with the H1N1 virus scientifically? Please keep this protection guide~

Respiratory diseases are at high risk recently, and the risk of respiratory infectious diseases spreading has increased. The influenza virus positive rate is continuing to rise, and almost all of them are influenza A. People are generally susceptible to influenza viruses, especially the elderly and children with weak resistance, who may be "infected" at any time. Disease control in many places has issued urgent reminders, calling for good personal protection.

So, what exactly is H1N1? What are its symptoms? How can it be prevented and treated? This issue of Science Popularization will help you learn about H1N1 prevention and treatment.

Understanding influenza A

Influenza viruses are divided into four types: A, B, C, and D (or A, B, C, and D). Among them , type A influenza is the most contagious and most likely to mutate. Almost every influenza pandemic is caused by type A influenza virus .

Influenza A (H1N1)

It is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza A virus, with an incubation period of 2 to 4 days.

Typical symptoms: sudden high fever, body temperature can reach 39~40℃, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. Respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, etc. may also occur. Some patients will experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting and nausea.

Key points:

1. Influenza A has a certain degree of self-limitation, but it is prone to cause other complications, such as bacterial pneumonia, myocarditis, etc.
2. Influenza A is different from the common cold. The common cold rarely causes systemic discomfort, but mainly upper respiratory tract symptoms, but there is no obvious change in physical strength and appetite, and rarely causes obvious systemic discomfort such as headaches and muscle aches.
3. The symptoms of influenza A are often more severe, it spreads faster, and the influenza A virus is highly variable.

How influenza A is transmitted

It is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets.

• When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets containing the virus are spread into the air and can be infective when inhaled by people around them.
• You may also be infected by touching objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth or nose.
• In places with dense crowds, the risk of virus transmission is higher.

Treatment of influenza A

If you have suspected symptoms of influenza A, you should go to the hospital immediately. A nasopharyngeal swab test is often used to confirm whether you have influenza A. If you are diagnosed with influenza A, you will be given appropriate treatment.

Antiviral treatment: Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir and mabaloxavir are most effective if used within 48 hours of onset, which can effectively alleviate symptoms, shorten the course of the disease, and reduce the risk of complications. Oseltamivir capsules are suitable for children over 1 year old and adults with influenza, while mabaloxavir is suitable for children over 5 years old and adults with influenza. They must be used under the guidance of a doctor and cannot be used at will. Do not increase or decrease the dose or stop taking the drug.

Key points:

It does not mean that if influenza is not treated within 48 hours of onset, it will be ineffective, but the effect of antiviral treatment is less. Antiviral treatment is still beneficial for high-risk groups after 48 hours.

Therefore, it is important to check early, seek medical treatment early, and take medication early!

Symptomatic treatment: If you have fever, headache, muscle aches, etc., you can use antipyretic analgesics to relieve them. If you have cough and sputum, you can use cough and expectorant drugs. Get more rest, drink more water, and ensure adequate water intake to promote body metabolism and help recovery.

Things to note after recovery from influenza A

• Ensure adequate sleep and allow the body to get sufficient rest, which is conducive to quick recovery.
• Eat a balanced diet and choose foods that are easily digestible and rich in nutrients, such as eggs, milk, fish, vegetables, fruits, etc.

• Avoid strenuous exercise to avoid putting too much strain on your body. It is recommended to start with light activity and then gradually increase the amount of exercise.
• Prevent secondary infection: Continue to maintain good personal hygiene habits and lifestyle, and avoid going to crowded places.

Prevention of influenza A

1. Try to avoid going to crowded and poorly ventilated places. If you must go, it is best to wear a mask.

2. Flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza A. It is recommended that people with low immunity, such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women, as well as high-risk groups with underlying diseases, should be vaccinated before the flu season arrives.

3. Wash your hands frequently, using soap and running water, and follow the seven-step hand washing method to clean your hands thoroughly. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or towel to prevent droplets from spreading to others.

4. Keep indoor air flowing, open windows regularly for ventilation, and ventilate for more than 30 minutes each time. In crowded places, pay more attention to ventilation.

Author: Guo Zhen (Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences)