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Influenza
The difference between influenza and the common cold
Influenza, also known as the flu, mainly occurs when the human body is invaded by influenza viruses, resulting in symptoms primarily of coughing, fever, and sore throat. Besides these symptoms, influenza can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The body temperature of patients often exceeds 39°C or 40°C. On the other hand, the common cold is mostly caused by rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, EB viruses, or even infections from Haemophilus influenzae, leading to relatively localized lesions. Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, and it may not include fever. The prognosis of the common cold is generally better than that of influenza, and it is less likely to lead to severe complications.
Can rhinitis be treated with antibiotics?
Influenza can be treated with antibiotics, but there must be appropriate indications and signs for their use. After influenza infection, the human body may experience a decline in immunity due to the virus, especially a decrease in lymphocytes, which makes it particularly susceptible to bacterial infections. These bacteria are likely to cause bacterial inflammation, with the main symptoms being cough, coughing up yellow phlegm, or having a runny nose with yellow nasal discharge. If such yellow or purulent secretions are observed, they generally indicate a bacterial infection, and it is advisable to boldly use some antibiotics for treatment. Antibiotics that are less toxic, have fewer side effects, and have strong antimicrobial activity should be chosen; such antibiotics often yield very satisfactory results.
Can people with hyperlipidemia drink alcohol?
Influenza patients should not drink alcohol because they are already experiencing reduced immune function due to the infection with the influenza virus, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The influenza virus typically shows a seasonal pattern, with higher incidences in the winter and spring seasons, and it can be transmitted through the respiratory tract to people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, once influenza is definitively diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly provide antiviral treatments, clear heat and detoxify, as well as reduce fever and handle other symptoms, to effectively control the discomfort caused by the virus. Influenza patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods in their diet, and they should drink plenty of water and consume fresh vegetables and fruits. It is absolutely essential to avoid alcohol to prevent exacerbating the symptoms of the influenza virus.
How many days does the flu fever last?
Flu fever generally lasts for 3-5 days. Flu refers to the condition characterized by sore throat, cough, and fever after the human body is infected with the influenza virus. It is called influenza, which is a symptom that appears after a viral infection. In most cases, it is self-limiting, meaning it can be treated with or without medication. The fever from influenza generally lasts about 3-5 days, and usually, after five days, the body temperature begins to decrease, and even returns to normal. Around 7-10 days, the patient's condition can naturally be completely alleviated. Therefore, influenza is not a severe disease, and as long as medication is used properly, some cases might see the fever subside within 3-5 days.
What department should I go to for the flu?
Influenza refers to a disease that manifests as cough, fever, and sore throat following human infection by the influenza virus. It is commonly known as the flu or influenza. In addition to respiratory symptoms, the flu may also present with digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, for flu treatment, one can visit the respiratory department. Of course, in cases of severe symptoms such as high fever, chest tightness, and fatigue, one may also visit the emergency department. However, if the initial diagnosis is predominantly digestive symptoms, it's possible that the gastroenterology department will refer the patient back to the respiratory department for treatment. This requires careful differentiation and exclusion by the doctor before making a diagnosis, so visiting the respiratory or emergency department for flu is appropriate.
Can influenza-specific drugs prevent influenza?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the invasion of the respiratory tract by influenza virus. Clinically, it can be divided into type A influenza and type B influenza based on the specific type of virus infection. Clinically, there are actually no specific drugs for influenza. The key is to provide appropriate antiviral medications for symptomatic treatment. For example, if a patient is infected with the influenza virus, commonly used treatments include traditional Chinese medicines or antiviral drugs, which can effectively alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms caused by the influenza virus. Regardless of which type of influenza virus the patient has, the medications used in clinical treatment cannot prevent influenza. Therefore, we recommend avoiding going out as much as possible during the peak season of influenza. If going out is necessary, it is important to take precautions, as influenza is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask when going outside can reduce the chances of getting infected with influenza.
Does the flu cause vomiting?
Influenza refers to a group of diseases characterized by cough, sore throat, and fever following upper respiratory tract infection by influenza virus. However, influenza has its peculiarities. Apart from respiratory symptoms, influenza can also present with nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain and diarrhea. Thus, it is entirely possible for influenza patients to experience vomiting. However, due to some doctors' lack of understanding of influenza, the vomiting caused by influenza is often mistaken for acute gastroenteritis or treated as acute gastritis. This can lead to inappropriate medication use, resulting in prolonged illness. Therefore, if a patient has fever, nausea, vomiting, or sore throat, it is crucial to promptly consider the possibility of influenza to avoid delaying the diagnosis and treatment.
The difference between influenza and the common cold
Influenza, or the flu, is an epidemic caused by the influenza virus, often characterized by severe systemic symptoms such as chills, high fever, and body aches. However, the symptoms related to the nasal pharynx are relatively mild, such as light sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. The common cold, often referred to as a cold or rhinitis, is also caused by viral infection and can be caused by various viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus. The general systemic symptoms of the common cold are relatively mild, such as fever, headache, and chills. Symptoms related to the ears, nose, and throat are more pronounced, including distinct sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and throat discomfort.
Can the flu cause diarrhea?
Influenza can cause diarrhea, but this is a minority occurrence. Influenza is a disease that appears after the respiratory system of a human body gets infected with the influenza virus. After infecting the human body, influenza primarily manifests symptoms like coughing, sore throat, and fever. However, some patients may develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting after being infected with influenza. This situation is related to viral infection, not the commonly thought stomach flu or food poisoning. Some patients may also experience joint pain and a decrease in appetite. If a patient experiences diarrhea accompanied by respiratory infection symptoms and has tested positive for influenza antibodies, it is necessary to promptly use antiviral drugs for influenza. However, many doctors who do not have such experience in diagnosing influenza might mistake the nausea and diarrhea caused by influenza for gastroenteritis, leading to a delay in proper treatment. Therefore, if one has respiratory symptoms accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, the possibility of influenza should be considered.
How to get a flu vaccine?
Influenza vaccines are mainly produced to prevent epidemic influenza and are currently available in three main types: Type A, B, and C. The target population for influenza vaccine administration primarily includes the elderly, preschool children, and patients with chronic underlying diseases, who are more suitable for vaccination. For children under three years old, the influenza vaccine should be administered twice, as it is administered via muscle injection and cannot be used intravenously. For this age group, the two doses should be spaced at least four weeks apart. For children over three years old and adults, an annual vaccination is sufficient. The optimal time for influenza vaccination is usually in September and October, as influenza tends to outbreak in winter and spring, so vaccinating during these months can greatly prevent influenza.