How is avian flu treated?

Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
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Do you need to isolate for the flu?

Influenza can be classified into three types based on the surface membrane proteins and nucleocapsids: type A, type B, and type C. Type A influenza usually causes major outbreaks in populations. Due to frequent genotypic changes in type A influenza, the general population often lacks immunity against it. Generally, influenza is a legally designated class B infectious disease in the country, and it can be transmitted to normal or healthy individuals through droplets, sneezing, or aerosols. Therefore, if an outbreak occurs, isolation measures should be taken, people should avoid crowded public places as much as possible, and maintain ventilation by keeping windows open, to prevent transmission from infected patients or certain animals.

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Written by Li Fang Xiao
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Influenza vaccination time

Influenza vaccines are primarily used to prevent epidemic influenza. Currently, there are three types of influenza vaccines in our country: Type A, Type B, and Type C. The best time to vaccinate for influenza is in September and October, because epidemic influenza often outbreaks in winter and spring. Therefore, getting vaccinated during these months can greatly prevent the transmission of epidemic influenza. The main groups recommended for influenza vaccination include preschool children and the elderly or frail, such as those with chronic diseases. Those with chronic conditions are at high risk of exacerbating their diseases after contracting epidemic influenza. These groups are particularly suitable for influenza vaccination. During the influenza vaccination period and before getting vaccinated, it is important to ensure that one is not having a cold, including symptoms like fever, to proceed with the vaccination.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
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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.