H1N1 flu is coming, understand these symptoms and don't panic

Review expert: Peng Guoqiu, deputy chief physician of the Fourth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army

What is the difference between influenza A and the common cold? Are the symptoms more severe or more difficult to cure?

How does it spread?

Who are more likely to become its "target"?

How to prevent and deal with it?

What is influenza A?

Influenza viruses can be divided into four types: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza A virus, which is mainly transmitted through droplets, and can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and eyes. Influenza A virus is highly contagious, and the general population is susceptible and may be repeatedly infected. When the body has the following symptoms, you should consider whether you have influenza A:

Sudden high fever and obvious chills. Influenza A usually presents with fever symptoms within 3-6 hours of onset, with the body temperature rapidly rising to above 38°C, or even to 39°C or higher, and this high fever may last for a long time. Conventional physical cooling methods are often unable to effectively lower the body temperature.

Severe headache. Influenza A is often accompanied by eye pain and general fatigue, which seriously affects daily activities and normal life, making people feel extremely uncomfortable.

Significant muscle soreness, especially in the major moving parts of the body such as the back, legs and arms, which becomes more severe with activity.

Respiratory symptoms. Although respiratory symptoms are relatively mild, you may still experience coughing, sore throat, etc., which may affect your breathing and swallowing.

Some patients may also experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and require special attention.

Which groups of people are more likely to be infected with influenza A?

Children whose immune systems are not fully developed. Infants and young children in particular have relatively weak immune functions and low resistance to viruses, making them vulnerable to influenza A virus. Elderly people with underlying diseases and declining immune functions. As they age, the immune system of the elderly gradually declines, and the activity and number of immune cells decrease, resulting in a weakened body's ability to defend against pathogens and an increased probability of infection with influenza A virus. In addition, many elderly people suffer from chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. These underlying diseases will further weaken the body's immunity, making the elderly more susceptible to influenza A.

People with chronic diseases. In addition to the disease itself weakening immunity, it may also be affected by the treatment drugs. For example, patients who use glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and other drugs for a long time are more likely to be infected with influenza A.

High-risk groups are also at a relatively high risk of developing serious complications from influenza virus infection. For them, influenza A may cause more serious symptoms, such as pneumonia, myocarditis, etc., and they usually need to seek medical attention in time and receive professional treatment and care to prevent the disease from worsening.

Prevention and treatment of influenza A

Vaccination is one of the most effective means to prevent influenza A. At the same time, we should maintain good personal hygiene habits and avoid touching the eyes, mouth and nose with hands; when coughing or sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow to prevent droplets from spreading to others. Keeping indoor air circulation can also help prevent influenza A. You can open windows for ventilation regularly. In addition, you can do some physical exercise , such as walking, running, swimming, etc., to enhance your body's resistance. At the same time, maintain a regular work and rest time and avoid overwork.

If you have been diagnosed or highly suspected, you should use anti-influenza virus drugs under the guidance of a doctor and should not stop or change the drugs on your own. At the same time, symptomatic treatment should be carried out according to the symptoms, such as using antipyretics to relieve high fever, using cough suppressants and expectorants to relieve coughs, etc. You should also pay attention to rest more and ensure adequate sleep to help your body recover. In terms of diet, you should choose light and easily digestible foods and avoid eating spicy, greasy, and irritating foods.