How to prevent the flu

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on December 14, 2024
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Influenza, also called flu, is caused by influenza viruses, which are categorized into three types: A, B, and C. After infecting a human, symptoms exhibited by a patient include fever, sore throat, cough, and phlegm, which characterizes the disease called influenza. This disease is classified as a Class B infectious disease in China and has a certain level of contagiousness among populations. It can also be transmitted to humans from certain animals, such as birds and pigs. In the prevention of influenza, the first step is to isolate the patient and the source of infection. The patient must not be contacted. Second, it is necessary to cut off the transmission routes, for example, industries related to the slaughter of poultry and pork should be avoided. Third, it is important to boost resistance and nutrition. Fourth, opening windows to ventilate and avoid overly polluted air can also help in preventing influenza.

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Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
51sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
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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 Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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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 Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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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.