Don’t be afraid if you encounter influenza A, there are scientific ways to protect yourself!

Winter is the peak season for influenza A. Many people experience fever, headache, muscle and joint pain at this time of year. This may be influenza A. Don't be afraid if you encounter influenza A. Everything you want to know is here. Come and learn together!

1What is influenza A?

Influenza A is the abbreviation of influenza A, which is a type of influenza caused by influenza A virus infection. Influenza A is one of the types of influenza. Everyone knows that influenza is caused by influenza virus, which is divided into three types: A, B and C. Among them, influenza A and B viruses are the main ones that cause common influenza in humans. Influenza A is highly contagious, has an acute onset, spreads quickly, and has a wide spread area; influenza B is second only to influenza A.

2What are the symptoms of influenza A?

The incubation period of influenza A is very short, usually only 1-3 days. Its symptoms are more severe than those of the common cold. It is usually characterized by high fever, with body temperature as high as 39-40℃, and there are many accompanying symptoms, such as headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms of systemic infection and poisoning are significantly higher than those of the common cold. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as conjunctival congestion; infants may show high fever, irritability, increased crying, and reduced feeding; severe cases may experience pneumonia, dyspnea, encephalitis, convulsions, shock, etc., and even endanger their lives. Therefore, once you catch a cold, if you have serious symptoms, you should go to the fever clinic for etiological examination. If it is confirmed to be influenza A, you must be isolated and rest in bed, and take some targeted antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir phosphate capsules, or take medicine as prescribed by a doctor.

3. What are the transmission routes of influenza A?

Its transmission routes are mainly respiratory transmission and contact transmission. Influenza A virus is a respiratory virus, and respiratory transmission is the main transmission route of influenza A virus. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets. If you have close contact with influenza A patients, or highly suspected patients, you may be infected with influenza A. In addition, in addition to respiratory transmission, the patient's secretions, such as tears, may also carry influenza A virus. Therefore, direct or indirect contact with objects contaminated by patient secretions, or close contact with patients, after contact with body fluids or secretions, it is also possible to spread this influenza A virus.

4. Who are the susceptible groups to influenza A?

The population susceptible to influenza A mainly includes the elderly, pregnant women, children and other elderly and weak people. In addition, people with chronic diseases, obese people and people with low immune function are also susceptible.

5. How to diagnose influenza A?

Suspected and clinically diagnosed cases require active etiological screening and can be diagnosed if any of the following conditions are met:

① Positive influenza virus antigen test;

② Positive influenza virus nucleic acid test;

③Influenza virus isolation and culture is positive;

④ The influenza virus-specific IgG antibody level in the recovery phase serum is ≥4 times higher than that in the acute phase.

6What should I do if I get influenza A?

"H1N1" is preventable and treatable, so there is no need to panic! ! If you are infected with H1N1, you should be given appropriate treatment based on the specific situation. If a young person gets H1N1, the clinical symptoms are relatively mild, and you may only need to take some cold medicine for symptomatic treatment, and the condition may gradually recover. However, if you have a persistent high fever or difficulty breathing, you must pay attention to it and go to the hospital for treatment to check for complications such as pneumonia, so as not to delay the best treatment time. In addition, if you are infected with H1N1, you need to take corresponding isolation measures, such as wearing a mask and keeping a certain distance from people around you to reduce the spread of the disease.

7. How to prevent influenza A scientifically?

Get vaccinated. Getting a flu shot is the most effective preventive measure. The vaccine can help your immune system fight the virus and reduce the risk of infection. Get a flu shot in September and October every year, and the protective effect will last until the peak flu season in winter and spring. In addition to children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, and medical workers are also vulnerable to the flu virus.

Maintain good hygiene habits. Washing hands frequently can effectively prevent influenza A. Wash hands frequently with soap and running water, and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.

Avoid crowded places. Avoiding crowded places and reducing interpersonal contact can reduce the risk of contracting influenza A.

Enhance immunity. Getting enough sleep, a balanced diet and moderate exercise can enhance the body's immunity and help prevent influenza A.

Pay attention to coughing and sneezing etiquette. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, elbow, etc. to reduce the spread of the virus.

Keep the environment clean and well ventilated. Open windows at home and in the classroom for ventilation every day and disinfect when necessary.

Author: Wu Fang, Gao Caiping, Shanghai Tongji University Affiliated Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital

Chief Judge: Zhai Hua, Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, Vice Chairman of the Science Popularization Working Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association

Illustration: Li Chuan Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine