In the peak season of influenza, how to distinguish influenza from the common cold? How to prevent multiple diseases?

With the arrival of autumn and winter

Flu virus becomes active again

Flu and the common cold often have similar symptoms

In daily life

How can we distinguish and prevent it?

Although influenza and the common cold are both common respiratory diseases , they differ significantly in terms of pathogens, infectivity, seasonality, fever severity, systemic symptoms, and course of disease.

Influenza is caused by influenza virus , is highly contagious and has obvious seasonality , and is usually most common in winter and spring. Influenza patients often have high fever (39-40℃), accompanied by chills, and obvious systemic symptoms such as high fever, headache, body muscle aches, and fatigue. The course of the disease is usually 7-10 days.

In contrast, the pathogens of the common cold are diverse , including rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus and common coronavirus, etc., which are less contagious and have no obvious seasonality . The fever of the common cold is relatively mild, usually no fever or only mild to moderate fever, and chills are uncommon. Its upper respiratory tract symptoms are more obvious, such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc., while the systemic symptoms are relatively mild, and the course of the disease is generally 3-5 days.

(1) Mainly transmitted through respiratory secretions and droplets .

(2) Transmitted through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and eyes.

(3) The virus is spread by touching items contaminated with the virus and then eating, picking the nose, or rubbing the eyes without washing the hands.

(1)

Develop good living habits

Wash your hands frequently, ventilate the room frequently, and keep your living and working environment clean; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing, and wash your hands immediately after contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects; exercise moderately, get enough sleep, and improve your personal immunity .

(2)

Avoid gathering and maintain social distance

During the peak season of influenza, people should try not to go to places where people gather and air is not circulating. If they must go there, they should wear masks properly and keep a social distance of more than one meter from others.

(3)

Vaccination

Influenza vaccination is the most economical and effective way to prevent influenza virus infection. It is especially important for people at high risk of complications. It is recommended that people over 60 years old, family members of children over 6 months old and infants under 6 months old, vulnerable groups and employees in nursing homes, care institutions, welfare homes, etc., people with chronic diseases, childcare institutions, primary and secondary schools, and people in key places such as hospitals should be given priority for influenza vaccination every year.

After reading this, you may still have a question: why do you need to get the flu vaccine again every year?

First, influenza viruses are prone to mutation , and the influenza virus strains targeted by influenza vaccines in different years may be different. Second, the immunity of influenza vaccination will gradually weaken over time. Therefore, in order to provide more effective protection, it is recommended to get a influenza vaccine every year.

It is also important to note that not everyone can get the flu vaccine. When seeing a doctor, you need to tell the doctor if you have a history of drug allergies or other diseases so that they can assess whether you are suitable for the vaccine. In addition, if you are in a state of physical discomfort, it is recommended to postpone the flu vaccine, otherwise it may aggravate the existing condition and affect the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Flu season

Maintain personal hygiene

Take good care of your health

If you have cold symptoms

Seek medical attention as soon as possible

Preventing colds from getting worse

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Source: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Healthcare Security Administration.

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