How to effectively prevent the H1N1 flu? Experts remind us

Experts interviewed: Ma Yanliang, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Chen Yue, Department of Pharmacy

Written and edited by: Zhong Yanyu, Publicity Center of Peking University People's Hospital

According to the latest data from the China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the influenza virus positive rate has continued to rise recently, of which more than 99% are influenza A. How can you quickly determine whether you are infected with influenza A? How should you take the anti-influenza drugs oseltamivir and mabaloxavir? How can you prevent it?

1. What are the symptoms of influenza A?

Influenza A (abbreviated as H1N1) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza A virus.

The main symptoms of influenza A include sudden high fever, cough (usually dry cough), sore throat, muscle aches (especially systemic), runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, etc. Some patients may experience headache and fatigue, and some patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

2. How to tell whether you have influenza A or a common cold?

While both swine flu and influenza are respiratory illnesses, there are some significant differences between them.

In terms of symptoms, influenza A mainly affects the whole body, with the most typical symptoms being high fever and muscle aches. The common cold often affects the upper respiratory tract, with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, etc. It also causes fever, but it is usually low-grade and lasts for a short time.

Another key point is the epidemiological history. If you have recently come into contact with someone who has a similar high fever and body aches, your chances of being infected are higher.

Pay attention - if you have any of the following conditions, you should highly suspect influenza A infection:

Rapid rise in body temperature, often accompanied by chills, usually reaching above 39°C.

· Muscle and joint pain, especially in the head, temples, and brow area.

If you experience obvious chest tightness or breathlessness, or severe hypoxia, you should seek medical attention immediately.

3. How to prevent influenza A scientifically?

Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, and avoid going to crowded places, especially relatively closed spaces such as shopping malls and cinemas, to avoid contact with sources of infection;

· Enhance your immunity, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise moderately;

Open windows regularly for ventilation every day for at least 30 minutes.

· Flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza A, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases and their families.

Special reminder : Please do not panic, because influenza is a self-limiting disease. For most patients with normal immune function, it can heal itself. Therefore, for those with mild symptoms or those who are not in the high-risk group, you can choose to rest at home and treat the symptoms. However, if the disease progresses quickly and there are high-risk groups for severe influenza, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid delaying the disease.

4. Why should we seize the 48-hour golden period for treatment?

There are good treatments for influenza A, but medication must be used as early as possible. The shorter the time interval between the onset of symptoms and medication, the faster the medication will take effect. In clinic, it is often said that we should "seize the 48-hour golden period for treatment."

Currently, the specific drugs for influenza viruses are oseltamivir and mabaloxavir, which can quickly take effect to prevent viral replication and quickly relieve symptoms.

During the treatment process, in addition to antiviral drugs, you can also choose antipyretic analgesics to relieve fever, body aches and other discomforts. Combined with Chinese patent medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying, you can stay away from the invasion of influenza A as soon as possible.

Medication rules :

Oseltamivir is used to treat influenza A and B in adults and children aged 1 year and over. It is recommended that adults and adolescents aged 13 years and over take 75 mg orally twice a day for 5 consecutive days within 48 hours after onset of illness; for children aged 1-12 years, it is recommended to take it according to the weight dosage table.

The commonly used dosage forms of oseltamivir are capsules, granules and dry suspensions. Granules and dry suspensions are mainly used for children and need to be completely dissolved in warm water before oral administration. Capsules can be used for adults and adolescents and the whole capsule should be taken with warm water.

Warm reminder: Patients with poor gastric function or sensitive stomach can take medicine during meals.

Note: Oseltamivir is a prescription drug and must be taken under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist strictly in accordance with the instructions or doctor's orders. It should not be used blindly or abused.

Mabaloxavir is used to treat previously healthy adults and children 5 years and older with uncomplicated influenza A and B, or adults and children 12 years and older who are at high risk for influenza-related complications.

Because it lasts longer in the human body, only one dose is needed for the entire course. Usually, for patients weighing 40-80 kg, 40 mg is enough for one dose. For patients weighing more than 80 kg, the dose is doubled, and 80 mg is needed at one time. It is also recommended to take it within 48 hours after onset for better results.

Tips : Avoid taking it with dairy products, calcium-fortified drinks, some laxatives containing high-valent cations, antacids (non-acid suppressants), and oral supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, aluminum or zinc at the same time, as this may reduce drug absorption and affect efficacy. If you must take such preparations, it is best to take them at least 1 hour apart.

Note : You need to choose a medicine that is more suitable for you under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

5. Who is not recommended to use oseltamivir and mabaloxavir?

Oseltamivir——

People who are allergic to oseltamivir preparations should not use it.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should follow their doctor's advice when taking medication and decide whether to use it after weighing the pros and cons.

Oseltamivir granules should not be used for more than 5 days for children aged 1 year and under who are in the growth and development stage and whose body organs have not yet fully matured.

Mabaloxavir——

Patients who are allergic to this drug should not use it.

Pregnant women should avoid using it because its potential risks are still unknown.

Breastfeeding women should stop breastfeeding or avoid taking the drug.

6. Experts remind: Flu vaccination is the most effective means of prevention

Vaccination is a very important means of preventing influenza A. Winter influenza vaccination is usually started after September and October each year. The composition of this year's vaccine will be determined based on the virus strains prevalent in the previous year, which can cover the effects of common influenza virus types with a certain probability. Therefore, it is important to attach importance to influenza vaccination, especially for those who are susceptible to influenza viruses, including people with underlying diseases, the elderly, and family members (family members). Because the patient's infection is often caused by infection from people around them, it is recommended that these family members also get vaccinated as soon as possible.