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Influenza
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.
How is avian flu treated?
First, patients suspected or confirmed with avian influenza should be isolated and treated as early as possible. Second, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir should be taken within forty-eight hours of onset, the sooner the better. Third, physical cooling or antipyretic drugs should be administered during high fever, and medications like Compound Licorice Tablets and Ambroxol Hydrochloride can be used to relieve severe cough and phlegm. Oxygen therapy using nasal cannulas or masks may be administered depending on the degree of hypoxia. Fourth, strengthen supportive treatment, maintain internal environment stability, and prevent complications.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. What are the symptoms after contracting the flu? Typically, the onset of influenza is quite sudden, and symptoms such as chills, high fever, headache, dizziness, body aches, and fatigue can appear quickly. Generally, the symptoms in the nasopharyngeal area are relatively mild and prolonged, and may include sore throat, runny nose, tearing, coughing, etc. After contracting the flu, it is important to actively cooperate with medical treatment and also to ensure isolation to prevent infecting others.
Routes of influenza transmission
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a disease caused by infection of the upper respiratory tract with the influenza virus. It is characterized mainly by sore throat, cough, and fever, and some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The primary mode of transmission of influenza is through droplets, which occur when an infected person sneezes or coughs, and their secretions, such as nasal discharge, are inhaled by others. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted through the digestive tract and mucous membranes of the skin. If a healthy person comes into contact with the secretions of an infected person, such as through skin contact or orally, they may also be infected. Therefore, it is crucial to isolate from those infected with the flu.
What is type B influenza?
Type B influenza is a type of epidemic influenza characterized by a rapid onset, feeling feverish and chilled. Body temperature usually rises quickly within hours, reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, or even higher. It is accompanied by headache, general body aches, fatigue, and reduced appetite. Its respiratory symptoms are relatively mild, including dry throat, sore throat, dry cough, and possibly diarrhea. Type B influenza is difficult to distinguish from the common cold and typically requires laboratory identification for diagnosis.
How long does the flu vaccine last?
Compared to the common cold, influenza causes more severe symptoms and is more contagious. Antibiotics are ineffective against it, but influenza can be prevented, and vaccination is the most effective way. Currently, the immunity from the influenza vaccine generally lasts about one year. It starts to work about a month after injection, but after six months, the concentration of antibodies in the body gradually declines. Additionally, the virus mutates every year, so an annual vaccination is necessary to provide effective protection, reduce symptoms, and prevent influenza.
symptoms of influenza
The symptoms of influenza vary greatly from individual to individual. The typical presentation first follows the trend of influenza outbreaks. After coming into contact with an infected person or the influenza virus, symptoms such as fatigue, limb pain, nausea and vomiting may be experienced. Some may also have symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, sore and dry throat, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Clinically, the main symptoms are limb pain and body fatigue, and some may also experience a rise in body temperature. It is advisable to drink more water, rest more, and measure body temperature. Choosing antipyretic analgesics can generally relieve symptoms, and antiviral medications can also be used as treatment directed toward the cause. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
What are the symptoms of pharyngitis and influenza?
Pharyngitis influenza mainly involves inflammation of the mucosa or submucosal tissues of the pharynx, generally affecting the lymphatic tissue of the throat, primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections. Clinically, symptoms include dryness and a burning sensation in the throat, a rough feeling, and during severe cases, swallowing pain that may even radiate to the ear. If accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as acute inflammation, the symptoms may vary depending on age, immunity, and the virulence of the virus or bacteria. These symptoms can include fever, headache, decreased appetite, and limb soreness, which are all characteristic of pharyngitis, and during an acute attack, resemble symptoms of influenza.