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 Li Jian Wu
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Does the flu require infusion?

Whether to administer intravenous fluids for influenza should be decided based on the severity of the illness, individual constitution, and the duration of the disease. It cannot be determined by the simplicity of the condition alone. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with influenza or parainfluenza virus. If the immune function is normal and there are no complications, generally one can recover on their own in five to ten days without the need for intravenous fluids. However, if influenza infects a person with a weak constitution and causes complications leading to bacterial infection, resulting in symptoms like breathing difficulties and coughing, intravenous fluid therapy is required.

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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.

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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
Pulmonology
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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.

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Is type B influenza contagious?

First, we need to understand what influenza B is. Influenza B, also known as influenza type B, is a type of influenza caused by the influenza B virus. Currently, it is classified as a class C infectious disease, which means it is indeed contagious. The main sources of transmission for influenza B are patients and asymptomatic carriers. Generally, the virus is contagious from one to seven days after onset of the illness, with the highest contagiousness occurring within the first two to three days. Influenza B is a respiratory tract infectious disease, mainly spread through the air and droplets. Most people are susceptible to influenza B.