The incubation period of influenza is how many days?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on December 12, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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How many days does the flu fever last?

Flu fever generally lasts for 3-5 days. Flu refers to the condition characterized by sore throat, cough, and fever after the human body is infected with the influenza virus. It is called influenza, which is a symptom that appears after a viral infection. In most cases, it is self-limiting, meaning it can be treated with or without medication. The fever from influenza generally lasts about 3-5 days, and usually, after five days, the body temperature begins to decrease, and even returns to normal. Around 7-10 days, the patient's condition can naturally be completely alleviated. Therefore, influenza is not a severe disease, and as long as medication is used properly, some cases might see the fever subside within 3-5 days.

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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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Is the flu serious?

Influenza is a contagious disease, mainly caused by the spread of the influenza virus among people. Patients may display symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever. The severity of influenza can vary. Typically, for people with normal immunity, influenza goes through a self-limiting process, and generally, patients can recover on their own without treatment in about 7 to 10 days. However, certain special populations, such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, cancer patients, or those who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long time, often experience prolonged symptoms after contracting influenza. Additionally, influenza can lead to influenza pneumonia, and in severe cases, it may cause myocarditis or meningitis, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, special attention should be paid to these vulnerable groups.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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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.