How to deal with "second-rate people"?

Author: Chen Xiaoyan, Sichuan Zigong Mental Health Center

Huang Sha Sichuan Province Zigong Mental Health Center

Ma Xiaoya National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University

Reviewer: Zheng Rong, Chief Physician, Zigong Mental Health Center, Sichuan Province

Friends, guess what a “second-rate guy” is?

Don't worry, I'll tell you what it is. The so-called "second-rate" refers to the two "big stars" in the influenza virus: influenza A and influenza B! Don't be fooled by their simple names, these two are the "stage stars" in the influenza world. Once they find you, they will stage a "body carnival party" and make you very uncomfortable. So, everyone must be careful!

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Why do we have to deal with this "second rate guy"?

First of all, influenza A and influenza B are not "easy guys". They are both influenza viruses (abbreviated as "flu viruses") [1]. The symptoms caused by the two brothers are similar, but influenza A, as the big brother of influenza viruses, will cause a global pandemic, while influenza B, as the little brother, will generally cause local or regional chaos. According to the World Health Organization, influenza can cause 3 million to 5 million severe cases each year, and even up to 650,000 deaths related to respiratory diseases [2-3]. From 2010 to 2015, an average of 88,100 people died from influenza-related respiratory diseases in my country each year, of which 80% were elderly people over 60 years old [4].

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Secondly, these two brothers are quite vicious. Once they find you, you may have fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and even nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This series of masterpieces of theirs is really unbearable!

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Finally, I want to remind everyone that influenza A and B can spread very quickly, and droplets, close contact, aerosols and other channels can allow them to spread rapidly. It's like a "Fast and Furious" flu!

How should we deal with the two brothers, influenza A and influenza B?

1. Be prepared before influenza A and influenza B come to cause trouble. For example, before the flu season comes every year, we can get a flu shot to prepare for it. During the flu season, try to avoid crowded places and avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms.

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2. If you have been "targeted" by influenza A and influenza B, please put on a mask and go to the hospital to seek medical help. If you take anti-influenza drugs within 48 hours of influenza onset, the risk of severe illness and death can be greatly reduced. At the same time, remember to drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and don't let yourself get too tired.

3. Regardless of whether the influenza A and B have come to you, you should still pay attention to respiratory hygiene. For example, when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief; wash your hands frequently; eat a balanced diet; exercise moderately; and get enough rest. This will not only help you improve your immunity and stay healthy, but also effectively prevent diseases, so that these two brothers will not "succeed" or will be less likely to "succeed"!

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Question and answer:

①Is it safe to get the flu vaccine?

Answer: The safety of influenza vaccine is confirmed, and your doctor will check it for you before vaccination.

②What adverse reactions may occur after receiving the influenza vaccine?

Answer: Adverse reactions include local reactions (such as redness, swelling, induration, pain, burning sensation at the injection site, etc.) and systemic reactions (such as fever, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, myalgia, general discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.).

③Do I need to seek medical attention if I experience adverse reactions after receiving the flu vaccine?

A: Some elderly people may experience adverse reactions after receiving the flu vaccine, but these adverse reactions are usually mild and will disappear on their own within a few days. You don't need to worry too much. If you feel that the symptoms are severe and difficult to overcome, please seek medical attention in time.

References

[1] Liu Jin, Wang Shuo. Interpretation of the "Updated Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Treatment, Drug Prevention, and Institutional Outbreak Management of Seasonal Influenza by the Infectious Diseases Society of America"[J]. Chinese Journal of Physician, 2023, 25(2):6.

[2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About pandemic

inffuenza. https://www.cdc.gov/pandemic-flu/basics/index.html

(accessed March 27, 2024).

[3] Yunli Zhao, Ya Gao, Gordon Guyatt, et al. Antivirals for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza: a systematic review and network meta-analysis[J]. Lancet, 2024,404(10454): 764-772.

[4] Influenza Prevention and Control Working Committee of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association. Expert consensus on promoting seasonal influenza vaccination in the elderly [J]. Chinese Medical Journal, 2021, 101(8):9. DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20201209-03314.