At present, the weather is cold, which is the high incidence season of respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza (hereinafter referred to as "flu"). However, in daily life, many people have a vague concept of common cold and flu, which often leads to more serious flu symptoms. So, what's the difference between flu and cold? What situations need to be treated in time? How to effectively prevent influenza?
Influenza ≠ Cold: It's important to distinguish correctly
In case of high fever, chills, fatigue, sore throat, headache and other symptoms, many people will unconsciously think that they just have a cold, and they will be fine after carrying it, but they do not know that it may be the flu.
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. People are generally susceptible to influenza. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases are all high-risk groups of influenza. Influenza patients and invisibly infected persons are the main sources of influenza infection. Influenza viruses are mainly transmitted by sneezing, coughing and other droplets, or by direct or indirect contact with oral, nasal, eye and other mucous membranes, or by contact with objects contaminated by viruses. Influenza viruses can be divided into subtypes A, B, C, etc. Every winter and spring are the high incidence seasons of influenza, and the seasonal epidemics are mainly caused by influenza A and B viruses. In contrast, the pathogens of the common cold are mainly common coronavirus, and the seasonal characteristics are not obvious.
In terms of symptoms, colds are often local catarrhal symptoms, that is, sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, no fever or mild or moderate fever. Usually, the course of the disease is about a week, and treatment only requires symptomatic treatment, drinking more water and taking more rest. Influenza is characterized by systemic symptoms, such as high fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle soreness. A small number of influenza patients may suffer from influenza pneumonia. Once these symptoms occur, they need to be treated with antipyretic and anti influenza drugs in a timely manner. In addition, due to the strong infectivity of influenza virus, patients should pay attention to self isolation and wear masks when going out to avoid cross infection.
It is worth noting that the influenza virus changes differently every year. It can be seen from the testing data of relevant laboratories in Beijing and across the country that the recent influenza is mainly influenza B.
Children are at high risk of influenza Parents need to be vigilant
In clinical practice, influenza is one of the important reasons for children to see a doctor. On the one hand, schools, kindergartens and other institutions are crowded, which is more likely to lead to the spread of influenza. On the other hand, children's immunity is relatively low, not only vulnerable to influenza, but also high-risk groups of severe influenza. Children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2 years old, are more likely to have serious complications, so parents and teachers need to pay enough attention and vigilance.
It should be noted that the symptoms of children with influenza in their daily life are different. In addition to high fever, cough and runny nose, some children may also have symptoms such as listlessness, lethargy, abnormal irritability, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, children's influenza often progresses rapidly. When the flu is severe, there may be complications such as acute laryngitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, and acute otitis media. Therefore, parents need to identify children's flu symptoms as soon as possible, Observe the condition at all times, and do not let the child "shoulder it hard". If the child has persistent high fever, poor mental state, dyspnea, frequent vomiting or diarrhea and other symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical advice in time. In addition, no matter whether a child suffers from a cold or flu, parents should not blindly use antibiotics during treatment. This will not cure the flu, and will lead to drug resistance if improperly used. Instead, they should take antiviral drugs as soon as possible under the guidance of doctors to control it.
After children have flu symptoms, they should be isolated and protected to avoid cross infection in school or nursery, ensure adequate rest, drink plenty of water, and reduce fever in time. In terms of diet, they should choose foods that are easy to digest and nutritious.
Prevent influenza with "ways"
The Spring Festival is coming, so don't let the flu "get involved" in the happy day of family reunion, so it is important to do a good job of daily protection. In fact, the protective measures against respiratory infectious diseases such as cold and flu are basically the same. At present, under the influence of COVID-19, everyone's awareness of protection has also been significantly strengthened.
Keep social distance, avoid gathering, and try not to go to crowded public places, especially places with poor air circulation; Wear masks when going out to reduce exposure to articles in public places; Pay attention to hygiene and wash hands frequently, especially after going home, use hand sanitizer or soap, and use flowing water to wash hands; Pay attention to indoor ventilation. When family members have flu patients, try to avoid cross infection; Increase or decrease clothing in time according to temperature changes; Balanced diet, strengthening exercise, ensuring adequate sleep and improving immunity are all effective preventive measures.
In addition, influenza vaccination can effectively prevent influenza. The best time for influenza vaccination is usually from September to November. Since winter is the high incidence season of influenza, vaccination in advance can maximize protection. In addition, since the protective effect of influenza vaccine usually lasts only 6-12 months, influenza vaccine needs to be injected every year.
