How are the symptoms of influenza different from those of the common cold? Can influenza be transmitted through food?

Influenza is a type of cold and is contagious, while the common cold is generally not contagious. Influenza often occurs during times of great weather change, such as winter, and is slightly different from the common cold.

How are flu symptoms different from the common cold?

The two diseases have similar symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever. Common cold symptoms are milder, while influenza symptoms are more severe. Common cold recovers quickly, and patients recover quickly after taking cold medicine. Influenza symptoms are accompanied by sore limbs, persistent fever, and fever recurs soon after taking antipyretics. Differentiation depends on influenza virology examination.

The common cold generally tends to heal on its own, and oral cold medicine can be used for symptomatic treatment. Influenza needs to be taken seriously, and antiviral treatment should be given as soon as possible after a clear diagnosis. Influenza is prone to complications such as pneumonia and myocarditis, so antiviral drug treatment is required.

The symptoms of the common cold and influenza are very similar, but there are differences in the use of medications. Never take two cold medicines at the same time. Influenza is not effectively treated with cold medicines. Conduct timely virological tests to confirm the diagnosis, seek treatment as soon as possible, and take isolation measures.

Can influenza be spread through food?

It can be spread, and if your immunity is low, the likelihood of infection is higher.

There are many ways for influenza viruses to enter the human respiratory tract. The main way is through droplet transmission. Influenza patients form droplet particles in the air through close conversations, sneezing, coughing, etc., and healthy people are infected after inhaling them. The secondary way is through indirect contact transmission. The influenza viruses discharged by influenza patients through sneezing and coughing contaminate the surface of objects, or cover their hands with their hands, which will cause the surface of objects and hands to be contaminated with the virus. Healthy people shake hands or touch contaminated public items such as handles and handrails, and then the virus contaminates their hands. Indirect infection may occur through contact with the mouth, nose, or possible eyes.

If the flu virus is eaten, it will not infect the stomach because it is not an intestinal virus. However, because the mouth and respiratory tract are connected, there is a possibility that the flu virus may enter the respiratory tract through the mouth. Therefore, oral inhalation of flu virus infection is possible, but compared with respiratory transmission, the probability of infection is lower, after all, the number of viruses is not as much as that of droplets flying directly into the respiratory tract.

What to eat in winter to prevent influenza

1. Eating more green vegetables, especially those rich in folic acid, is a necessary condition for synthesizing immune substances. A large amount of flavonoids can be combined with vitamin C, which is very helpful for maintaining the body.

2. Eat more protein-rich fish, eggs and meat. Protein is a key substance in the human immune system. The essence of antibodies is a protein substance with special functions. Therefore, we must ensure that we regularly take in a certain amount of high-quality protein from food. High-quality protein mainly comes from milk, eggs, fish and shrimp, lean meat, soybeans and products.

3. Eat more cereals and seafood. Zinc is closely related to immune function. Zinc can enhance the phagocytic function of cells, thereby playing a bactericidal role. Zinc supplementation for adults can improve immunity and regulate endocrine. Other foods containing zinc include oysters, pork liver, chicken liver, peanuts, fish, eggs, beef, black sesame, etc. Eat more zinc foods when you have time.