How to prevent influenza? Please keep these tips

1. What is influenza?

Flu is the abbreviation of influenza. Different from the common cold, it specifically refers to an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. The currently prevalent seasonal influenza viruses include influenza A H3N2 subtype, influenza A H1N1 subtype (pdm09) and influenza B Victoria strain.

(Picture from China Digital Science and Technology Museum)

2. What are the main symptoms of influenza?

The main symptoms of influenza are fever, headache, and general discomfort. The body temperature can reach 39-40℃. Children usually have higher fever than adults. There may be chills, chills, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and other obvious systemic symptoms, accompanied by loss of appetite. There is often sore throat and cough, and there may be nasal congestion, runny nose, discomfort behind the sternum, facial flushing, conjunctival congestion, etc.

3. How is influenza transmitted?

The main route of influenza transmission is through respiratory droplets, but it can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the oral and nasal mucosa. For example, if your hands touch objects contaminated with the virus and then touch your mouth and nose, it can cause infection.

4. Who is more likely to get influenza?

The general population is susceptible to influenza viruses, and most cases are self-limiting. Some groups are at higher risk of developing serious complications after infection, including people aged 60 and above, children under 5 years old, pregnant women, and patients with underlying diseases.

5. Why are children more susceptible to influenza?

Children are more susceptible to respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza. The reasons may be as follows: First, schools and childcare institutions are collective places, where children gather and have close contact. Once there is an influenza case, it is easy to lead to the spread of the disease and more cases. Second, children are naturally infected with influenza viruses or have less vaccination, and their pre-existing immunity is weak, and their cross-protection against influenza viruses is weaker. Third, children's own respiratory tract may not be as fully developed as that of adults, and their immune system is in a developmental state, making them susceptible to invasion by respiratory viruses such as influenza and causing symptoms.

6. How to prevent influenza?

Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective means of preventing influenza, which can significantly reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications. The influenza vaccines currently used in my country include inactivated influenza virus vaccines and live attenuated influenza virus vaccines. Neuraminidase inhibitors and polymerase inhibitors (such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, favipiravir, etc.) are specific therapeutic drugs for influenza A and B.

In addition, maintaining good personal hygiene habits is also an important means of preventing respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza. Wash your hands frequently; during the influenza epidemic season, high-risk groups are advised to reduce visits to crowded places and wear masks when going there; cover your mouth and nose with tissues or towels when coughing or sneezing, then wash your hands, and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. It is also important to ventilate the room frequently, have a regular work and rest schedule, eat a balanced diet, avoid overwork, and maintain your immunity.

7. Who needs to get the flu vaccine?

People aged 6 months and above who have no contraindications to vaccination should receive influenza vaccination. Considering the different clinical severity of influenza infection in different populations, certain groups should be given priority for vaccination, including:

(1) Medical personnel, including clinical treatment personnel, public health personnel, health quarantine personnel, etc.;

(2) Elderly persons aged 60 years and above;

(3) Those suffering from one or more chronic diseases;

(4) Vulnerable groups and employees in places where people gather, such as nursing homes, long-term care institutions, and welfare homes;

(5) Pregnant women;

(6) Children aged 6 months to 5 years;

(7) Family members and caregivers of infants under 6 months old;

(8) People in key places, such as teachers and students in childcare institutions, primary and secondary schools, and detainees and staff in detention facilities.

8. Why should the flu vaccine be administered every year?

First, influenza viruses are prone to mutation, and the influenza virus strains targeted by influenza vaccines in different years may vary. Second, the immunity gained after vaccination will decay over time. In order to provide more effective protection, it is recommended to get the influenza vaccine every year.

9. Is it safe to get the flu vaccine? Are there any side effects?

It is safe to get the flu vaccine. However, like other vaccines, there may be adverse reactions after the flu vaccine, which are usually mild and will disappear on their own within a few days. Severe reactions are rare.

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