Attention! The positive rate continues to rise, more than 99% are influenza A! Expert advice is here →

According to the latest data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the influenza virus positive rate has continued to rise recently, of which more than 99% are influenza A (referred to as 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 take preventive measures? The experts from Peking University People's Hospital will tell you!

1. What are the symptoms of influenza A?

Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza A virus. The main symptoms include sudden high fever, cough (usually dry cough), sore throat, muscle aches (especially systemic), runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, etc. Some patients may experience headaches and fatigue, and some patients may also experience digestive 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:

The body temperature rises rapidly, often accompanied by chills, and the fever can usually reach above 39°C.

Pain in muscles and joints, especially in the head, temples, and brow area.

If there is obvious chest tightness and shortness of breath, and severe cases may be accompanied by symptoms of hypoxia, you should seek medical attention immediately.

3. How to prevent influenza A scientifically?

Wash hands frequently, wear masks, avoid going to crowded places, especially relatively closed spaces such as shopping malls and cinemas, and 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, with ventilation time of no less than 30 minutes.

Influenza vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza A.

Pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases and other high-risk groups and their families.

Special reminder : Please do not panic, because influenza is a self-limiting disease, and most patients with normal immune function can recover on their own. 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 you are in the high-risk group 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 : For the treatment of 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 to 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 : For use in healthy adults and children 5 years and older with uncomplicated influenza A and B.

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

Warm reminder : Avoid taking it at the same time as 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, 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 are a drug that is contraindicated for use in children, especially for children aged 1 year and under who are in the growth and development stage and whose body organs have not yet fully matured, as well as elderly patients over 60 years old. It is not suitable for long-term and large-scale use.

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.

Not recommended for children under 5 years old.

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.

Experts interviewed: Ma Yanliang from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chen Yue from the Department of Pharmacy

Compiled by: Zhong Yanyu, Publicity Center