Does superimposed infection make the condition worse? During the peak season of respiratory infectious diseases, you should know these things

According to the latest data released by the National Health Commission, influenza is the main respiratory infectious disease in recent times. In addition, there are also rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, etc. Analysis shows that the recent increase in acute respiratory diseases in my country is related to the superposition of multiple respiratory pathogens.

Many people have also discovered that not only are pediatric clinics "full", but adults have also begun to be affected.

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Beware of cross infection!

Detailed explanation of the main pathogens prevalent in different age groups

As we enter the peak season for respiratory infectious diseases, multiple pathogens are prevalent in many places. Wang Huaqing, chief expert of the immunization program at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the results of multi-source monitoring show that the main pathogens prevalent in different age groups of recent respiratory infectious diseases are different:

Influenza virus and rhinovirus were the main viruses in the 1-4 year old group;

For people aged 5-14, influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and adenovirus were the main viruses;

Influenza virus, rhinovirus and novel coronavirus are the main viruses among people aged 15-59 years;

For people aged 60 and above, influenza virus, human metapneumovirus and common coronavirus are the main viruses.

How to determine which pathogen is the cause of infection?

Influenza, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections all cause symptoms such as cough and fever. How should we distinguish them?

influenza

Influenza can occur in all age groups and is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets. The incubation period is generally 1 to 4 days, with an average of 2 days.

The clinical manifestations of influenza are generally sudden high fever, cough, sore throat, and may be accompanied by chills. Older children may experience headaches or muscle and joint pains, and infants may become lethargic, have difficulty feeding, or even move less.

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Adenovirus

The typical symptoms of adenovirus respiratory infection are cough, nasal congestion and pharyngitis. Some types of adenovirus can cause gastroenteritis in infants and preschool children, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.

Adenovirus infection is generally a self-limiting disease, and people with normal immunity can recover on their own in about 7 days.

Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus is an RNA virus. The dominant virus strain mutates every year, is prone to repeated infection, and is highly contagious. It is mainly transmitted through coughing, droplets, and close contact.

Most healthy children infected with RSV will have mild and early symptoms similar to the common cold. As the disease progresses, severe cases will experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, wheezing, irritability, loss of appetite, and even complications such as respiratory failure and heart failure.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Mycoplasma pneumonia is characterized by fever and cough as the main clinical manifestations. At the onset, it manifests as a severe, paroxysmal, irritating dry cough, which may be accompanied by headache, runny nose, sore throat, and earache. Here is a reminder that influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia may be mixed infections.

Respiratory disease superinfection

Does it mean the situation is getting worse?

If symptoms recur after a respiratory infection improves, such as a fever or a worsening cough, other pathogens may have infected you.

On November 26, Zhang Wenhong, a professor at Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, said in CCTV's "Healthy China" that sometimes overlaps are due to the use of very sensitive detection methods, so don't worry too much. Tong Zhaohui, deputy director of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University and director of Beijing Institute of Respiratory Diseases, said that although multiple pathogens were detected, it does not mean that all of them are pathogenic, and clinicians must conduct a comprehensive analysis based on the patient's clinical condition.

How to prevent and treat the key groups of “the elderly and the young”?

Vaccinate as much as possible

Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective and economical way to prevent influenza, and can significantly reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications. In addition, the main influenza strain currently circulating is the influenza A H3N2 subtype . According to sequencing analysis, this subtype is well matched with the vaccine, and vaccination can provide better protection.

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The best time to get vaccinated is one month before the peak of influenza, which is generally completed before the end of October each year. If you miss the best time, you can get vaccinated at any time during the epidemic. There is generally no need to repeat the vaccination in the same influenza season.

In addition, it is not recommended to get multiple vaccines at the same time. After getting one vaccine, wait at least two to three weeks before getting the next vaccine , because you need to observe whether there is an allergic reaction, etc.

Families with children should stock up on some emergency medicines commonly used by children, such as antipyretics, heat-clearing and expectorant drugs, etc. However, it is not recommended to stock up on a large amount, as improper storage may cause children to take them by mistake.

The elderly have relatively weaker resistance, so experts recommend that they pay special attention to changes in temperature. When going out, they must pay attention to weather changes and add or remove clothes according to the temperature. At home, they should also pay attention to the appropriate temperature. At the same time, the air humidity cannot be ignored. An overly dry home environment is also not conducive to respiratory health.

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If you go out, try to avoid going to places where people gather in closed environments. If you go out, try to shorten your stay. When you go out, wear a mask and keep your hands clean. In addition, ventilation should be strengthened. The room should be ventilated every day. You can choose to ventilate at noon when the temperature is relatively high.

There is no need to panic when dealing with respiratory diseases. Always maintain good personal hygiene habits : wash your hands frequently, keep your living and working environment clean and well ventilated, and reduce visits to crowded places; when sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with your upper arm or a tissue, and then wash your hands; when flu-like symptoms appear, take the initiative to isolate yourself and wear a mask when going out in public places.

Go to bed early and get up early, eat properly, and take care of your body!

Comprehensive sources: National Health Commission, Xinhuanet, CCTV News, Guangming Online, etc.