Flu kills people? From a mild cough to "white lungs" in just a few days, you must know these points!

Recently, the news that Xu Xiyuan (Big S) died of pneumonia caused by influenza during her trip to Japan has become a hot topic. At the same time, more and more patients have stated on the Internet that they had developed "white lung" symptoms just a few days after being infected with the flu.

One of the infected patients, Mr. Liu, a healthy office worker, was unfortunately infected during the flu season and became a severe flu patient. At first, he only had a slight cough and sputum, which was not taken seriously. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly, with symptoms such as shortness of breath and persistent high fever. Upon examination, Mr. Liu was infected with influenza A, and a chest CT scan showed severe ground-glass exudates in both lungs, also known as "white lungs." With the full treatment of medical staff, Mr. Liu's condition gradually stabilized and he was finally out of danger. This incident once again reminds us that influenza is not a simple fever and cold, and its potential harm cannot be ignored.

Don't ignore the dangers of influenza

Flu, or influenza in full, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. Many people think that flu is just a mild cold and there is no need to worry too much. However, this is not the case. Flu has the characteristics of rapid onset, rapid spread, high incidence, and many complications. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening.

1. Severe symptoms of severe influenza: Severe influenza patients often show severe symptoms such as severe coughing, persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, multiple organ failure, etc. These symptoms not only bring great pain to patients, but may also be life-threatening.

2. Risk of complications: Influenza viruses can damage the respiratory mucosa, making it easy for bacteria to invade, thus causing complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. In addition, influenza may also cause serious diseases such as myocarditis and encephalitis.

3. Threats to high-risk groups: The harm caused by influenza is more serious to the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases. These people have relatively low immunity and are more susceptible to influenza virus infection. The disease progresses rapidly and is difficult to treat.

What is the difference between influenza and the common cold, and why does influenza cause white lung?

1. Different pathogens: Influenza is caused by influenza virus, while the common cold is mostly caused by rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc. Influenza virus is highly pathogenic and can easily cause serious diseases.

2. Different symptoms: Flu symptoms are usually more severe, including high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, etc., while common cold symptoms are relatively mild, mainly nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough.

3. Different course of illness and infectiousness: Influenza has a longer course of illness, is more infectious, and is easily spread among the population. The common cold has a shorter course of illness and is relatively less infectious.

4. Why does influenza cause white lung? White lung refers to severe inflammation of the lungs, which causes the alveoli to be filled with exudate, making the lungs appear white. The influenza virus destroys the alveolar epithelial cells, triggering an inflammatory response, which leads to an increase in exudate, thus forming white lung. White lung seriously affects the patient's respiratory function and requires timely treatment.

How to prevent the flu

1. Get a flu shot: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu. It is recommended that high-risk groups get a flu shot once a fall to get effective protection.

2. Preventive use of antiviral drugs: For high-risk groups who have not received the influenza vaccine or have not acquired stable immunity after vaccination, antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir can be considered for prevention during the influenza epidemic season.

3. Wash your hands frequently: Maintaining good hand hygiene is an important measure to prevent influenza. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rub products to kill viruses.

4. Enhance immunity: Enhance immunity and improve body resistance through a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep.

5. Stay away from sources of infection: During the peak influenza season, avoid going to crowded places, maintain social distance, and reduce the chance of contact.

6. Wear a mask: Wear a mask in public places, especially when taking public transportation or going to crowded places, to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Although influenza is fierce, as long as we arm ourselves with scientific methods, we can build an indestructible Great Wall of Health! Let us start with ourselves, actively prevent influenza, and protect the health of ourselves and others. At the same time, we also remind the general public that when facing infectious diseases such as influenza, we must remain rational, not believe in rumors, not spread rumors, and jointly maintain social harmony.

Reference: Brody H. Influenza: Science targets an evasive virus Nature. (2019): https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-027