H1N1 influenza strikes, teach you how to deal with it scientifically

H1N1 influenza strikes, teach you how to deal with it scientifically

The China Influenza Surveillance Weekly Report for the 8th week of 2023 released by the China National Influenza Center shows that influenza viruses are prevalent recently, and the positive rate of influenza virus detection in southern and northern provinces continues to rise. A(H1N1)pdm09 is the main influenza virus, and A(H3N2) subtype influenza viruses are co-prevalent, with influenza A being the most ferocious. According to the current test data, influenza A accounts for 99% of the domestic cases, and influenza A has entered its peak period. Many parts of my country have been affected. Facing the arrival of influenza A, we will teach you how to respond scientifically.

What is influenza A?

Influenza (flu for short) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. Influenza virus is divided into 4 types: A, B, C, and D. Human influenza is mainly caused by influenza A virus and influenza B virus.

Influenza A (H1N1) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus. It is mainly transmitted through droplets, is highly contagious, spreads rapidly, and breaks out in some part of the world almost every year.

Influenza A is different from the common cold. The main differences are shown in the figure below:

So how does influenza A spread?

(1) Airborne transmission: The main route of transmission of influenza A virus is respiratory transmission. The virus can be transmitted to healthy people through droplets, saliva, secretions, etc. in the air, such as coughing or sneezing.

(2) Contact transmission: including direct contact and indirect contact. Direct contact refers to direct contact with the body fluids and respiratory secretions of influenza A patients, while indirect contact refers to contact with daily necessities used by patients. Influenza A virus can cause indirect infection through the digestive tract or conjunctival route via contaminated clothing, tableware, toiletries and other items.

Influenza A is easily contagious and prone to recurrence. It is seriously harmful to the human body and has many transmission routes.

How can we prevent influenza A?

Control the source of infection

1. Avoid gathering

During the influenza epidemic season, try to avoid crowded places, such as cinemas and shopping malls. If you need to take public transportation, you should wear a mask as required. Avoid close contact with patients with influenza-like symptoms (fever ≥ 38°, accompanied by cough or sore throat).

Cut off the transmission route

1. Cough in a civilized manner

When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue to prevent droplets from contaminating others. It is best not to cover your mouth and nose with your hands. If your hands come into contact with respiratory secretions, you should wash your hands immediately and try to avoid touching your face. Do not spit anywhere. Wrap oral and nasal secretions with a tissue and put them in a covered trash can.

2. Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask

Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands with running water. Follow the seven-step hand washing method and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands. If your hands come into contact with respiratory secretions (such as after sneezing), you should wash your hands immediately.

Protecting vulnerable groups

1. Get vaccinated in advance

Vaccine is one of the effective ways to prevent influenza. Experts recommend that the elderly (>65 years old), the weak, patients with chronic diseases, and children aged 6 months to 3 years should be vaccinated every year. Because the vaccine formula is made based on the prediction of the virus strain that is prevalent in that year, and the influenza virus strain mutates almost every year, it is necessary to vaccinate every year. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to produce antibodies, which can prevent influenza virus infection.

2. Get enough sleep and exercise more

Ensuring adequate sleep is very helpful in preventing influenza. Lack of sleep will lead to decreased immunity and make you more susceptible to influenza A infection. You should ensure normal sleep quality and time. It is recommended that children sleep 9-10 hours a day, adults sleep 7-8 hours, and the elderly sleep 6-7 hours.

Strengthen exercise. You can choose outdoor sports such as running and boxing. Exercise for 1 hour a day, at least 3 days a week, which can promote blood circulation in the body and enhance physical fitness.

3. Eat a balanced diet

Eat a variety of foods to ensure complete nutrition, drink enough water, and drink small amounts of water frequently. If the weather is hot or you sweat a lot during exercise, you should drink more water. Don't drink water only when you feel thirsty. Don't drink or drink less sugary drinks. Don't use drinks instead of drinking water. Eat more foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwis, tomatoes, etc.

The pictures are taken from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please let us know and they will be deleted.

Author: Guan Juan, Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine