Routes of influenza transmission

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
55sec home-news-image

Can people with phlegm-dampness eat eggs?

Yes. Influenza refers to a type of disease characterized by fever, sore throat, and cough which occurs after human body is infected with influenza viruses, including type A, B, and C. It is also called epidemic influenza. Influenza is a class B infectious disease as legally defined in our country and has a certain transmissibility among the population. Patients often experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and decreased resistance after contracting influenza. As for eggs, they contain a balanced mix of nutrients, including rich proteins, trace elements, amino acids, and common vitamins, etc. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume some eggs during influenza to improve the nutritional status and resistance of patients, which is beneficial for their recovery.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
1min 4sec home-news-image

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 Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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The incubation period of influenza is how many days?

The incubation period refers to the time from when pathogenic microorganisms invade the human body to when symptoms appear. We call this the incubation period. The duration of the incubation period is related to the patient's resistance and the virulence of the pathogenic microorganisms. Generally speaking, the incubation period for influenza A is usually about 2-4 days, while for other types like influenza B and C, the incubation period can often reach 5-7 days. During the incubation period of influenza, patients often do not exhibit typical flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and fever. The primary manifestations may be general malaise, such as muscle and skeletal pain, loss of appetite, poor digestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is very easy to misdiagnose these symptoms as other diseases during the incubation period.