Here is everything you want to know about influenza A!

Recently, influenza A (H1N1) has once again become the focus of public attention. In response to questions such as "Is H1N1 fatal?", "How to distinguish the common cold?", and "Are young people more at risk?", the expert team of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Zhuzhou 331 Hospital has answered them one by one in conjunction with the National Health Commission's "Influenza Diagnosis and Treatment Program (2023 Edition)".

1. What exactly is influenza A?

Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2 and other subtypes) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus.

Three major characteristics : rapid spread, severe symptoms, and easy mutation

It causes approximately 3 to 5 million severe cases worldwide each year, but 99% of patients can recover fully , so there is no need to panic.

2. How is influenza A transmitted?

Beware of 3 high-risk scenarios!

1. Droplet transmission

When the patient coughs or sneezes, the virus is directly inhaled within 2 meters.

2. Contact transmission

Rubbing your eyes and nose after touching contaminated elevator buttons or door handles.

3. Transmission in confined spaces

Offices, classrooms and other places with poor ventilation are prone to collective infection.

Special reminder: Pregnant women, people over 65 years old, patients with chronic diseases, and obese people (BMI ≥ 30) are high-risk groups .

3. How to identify influenza A?

Key difference: Influenza A develops rapidly, with full onset of symptoms within 24 hours; the common cold usually worsens slowly.

1. High fever lasts for more than 3 days and antipyretics are ineffective

2. Shortness of breath (>30 times/minute at rest)

3. Purple lips and chest pain

4. Confusion or convulsions

5. Children refuse to eat and become sleepy

If you experience these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately!

Attention! If young and middle-aged people have complications such as myocarditis and pneumonia, their condition may also become severe. Do not delay treatment because of your youth and strength!

4. What should I do if I am diagnosed with influenza A?

4 key points of home care

1. Anti-virus golden period

Taking oseltamivir within 48 hours of onset (under doctor's guidance) can shorten the course of the disease by 1-2 days.

2. Isolation management

Live alone in a room, disinfect tableware, and continue to isolate for at least 24 hours after symptoms disappear.

3. Symptomatic antipyretic

Ibuprofen/acetaminophen can reduce fever, and physical cooling can be used as an auxiliary (avoid alcohol baths).

4. Nutritional support

Drink more than 2000ml of water every day, eat a high-protein diet (eggs, fish), and avoid spicy food.

Misconception reminder: Antibiotics (such as cephalosporin) are ineffective against viruses , and their abuse may increase the burden on the liver and kidneys!

5. To prevent influenza A, remember the "three-piece suit and six more"

Protective three-piece suit

1. Mask (surgical mask should be changed every 4 hours)

2. Chlorine-containing disinfectant (wipe door handles/mobile phones daily)

3. Vaccination (best time is October to November every year)

Six things to keep healthy

1. Wash your hands in seven steps (rub for more than 20 seconds)

2. Open the window and ventilate (3 times a day, each time > 30 minutes)

3. Keep warm moderately (avoid being blown by the wind after sweating)

4. Exercise in moderation (avoid excessive fatigue)

5. The mask must fit snugly (tighten the nose clip to prevent air leakage around it)

6. See a doctor promptly (the fever clinic is open 24 hours a day)

6. Five truths about vaccines

1. Protection rate: Antibodies are produced 2-4 weeks after vaccination, and the effectiveness in preventing severe illness is >70%.

2. Side effects: A few people experience redness and swelling at the injection site, which will disappear within 24 hours.

3. Contraindications: People who are allergic to eggs and patients with acute fever.

4. Special groups: Pregnant women can be vaccinated with inactivated vaccines.

5. Necessary booster vaccination: Even if you have been infected with influenza A, you still need to be vaccinated every year (the virus is prone to mutating).

Recent cases of severe illness among some young and middle-aged people have caused concern, but data show that:

● The overall mortality rate of influenza A is about 0.1%, which is much lower than the original strain of the new coronavirus (about 3%).

● 90% of critically ill patients have failed to take medication in a timely manner , have bacterial infections or underlying diseases .

● Loudi City currently has sufficient reserves of antiviral drugs and the medical treatment system is operating smoothly.

Experts from Zhuzhou 331 Hospital remind you to be rational about severe cases. H1N1 is preventable and controllable, and scientific response is the key! Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, get vaccinated, and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you feel unwell !

Source: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhuzhou 331 Hospital

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(Edited by ZS)