Chinanews.com Beijing on December 23, the current flu is a common respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus that is harmful to human health.
Compared with other age groups, the elderly suffer from influenza with a higher hospitalization rate and a poor prognosis.
To remind the elderly to reduce the risk of infection under the dual risks of the new crown pneumonia epidemic and influenza, the four academic institutions recently issued a joint reminder.
According to reports, at the end of 2019, there were approximately 254 million people aged 60 and over in China.
The elderly have a high hospitalization rate and poor prognosis for influenza. On average, 5-6 of every 10 adult patients hospitalized with influenza are elderly people aged 60 and over; 1 in 10 elderly patients with influenza will lose more than 3 types Activities of daily living.
In addition, influenza is an important cause of death among the elderly. Compared with other age groups, the risk of influenza-related death is highest among the elderly.
In addition to causing significant excess deaths in the elderly, influenza will also increase the burden of hospitalization for the elderly.
Facing the possible risks of the new crown epidemic and influenza superimposed infection, the Chinese Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics at the National Aging Health Communication and Promotion Action (Prevention of Influenza for the Elderly) project held in Beijing recently The Aging Communication Branch, the Geriatrics Branch of the Chinese Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics, the Geriatric Medical Institution Management Branch of the Chinese Society of Geriatrics, and the Health Communication Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association jointly issued the following action recommendations.
One is to actively respond and attach importance to influenza prevention
In the face of possible new crown pneumonia epidemic and influenza superimposed infection risk, the elderly should be the first responsible person for their health, pay attention to influenza prevention and control, actively learn relevant knowledge about influenza prevention, and pay attention to obtaining disease prevention information issued by authoritative institutions , To enhance the ability to identify false and wrong information.
The second is to recognize flu symptoms, diagnose and treat early
The flu is different from the common cold.
Influenza generally manifests as acute onset, fever, and systemic symptoms such as chills, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Mild flu is often similar to the common cold, but its fever and systemic symptoms are more obvious.
In severe cases, viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, diffuse intravascular coagulation, cardiovascular and nervous system and other extrapulmonary manifestations and various complications may occur.
Once the elderly find flu symptoms, they should seek medical treatment in time, diagnose and treat them as early as possible, and avoid delaying treatment.
The third is to do a good job of protection and play the role of "social vaccine"
Taking good daily protective measures can effectively reduce the infection and spread of influenza, including:
Maintain a good lifestyle and personal hygiene habits.
Maintain good respiratory hygiene, cover your mouth and nose with tissues, towels or upper arms when coughing or sneezing; wash your hands frequently and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; a balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate rest, and ensure adequate and regularity Sleep; keep the environment clean and ventilated.
Take necessary protection and isolation measures.
During the flu season, avoid close contact with patients with flu-like symptoms, and try to avoid crowds; after flu-like symptoms, patients should take a rest and take necessary self-isolation measures; advocate "mask civilization" and contact patients with flu-like symptoms Family members need to wear masks. When going to public places or going to the hospital, patients and attendants should wear masks to avoid cross-infection.
The fourth is prevention first, and influenza vaccination every year
The elderly and patients with chronic diseases have low immunity and weak resistance. They are high-risk groups of influenza. It is recommended that key and high-risk groups such as elderly care institutions, long-term care institutions, welfare homes, and elderly people over 60 years old receive influenza vaccine first.
Vaccination is currently the most economical and effective way to protect the elderly from influenza.
Fifth, actively treat chronic underlying diseases to reduce the risk of acute exacerbation of chronic diseases
Elderly people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease are at higher risk of serious illness and death after flu.
Need to follow the doctor's advice to actively treat and control chronic underlying diseases.
Learn to evaluate your own condition, seek medical attention in time when changes occur, accurately describe the condition, refrain from arbitrarily seeking medical advice, and avoiding medical treatment.
The "Action Suggestions" also called on the whole society to pay attention to the prevention and control of influenza for the elderly. It is recommended that family members can help the elderly strengthen influenza prevention and actively assist the elderly in vaccinating influenza; it is recommended that medical staff play a demonstration and guiding role to help the elderly scientifically understand And to prevent influenza and increase awareness of vaccination; call on regions with conditions to combine local conditions to introduce preferential policies for vaccinating the elderly with influenza, and reduce or exempt the elderly’s vaccination costs as appropriate; it is recommended that all sectors of society work together to strengthen the research and development, approval, and approval of influenza vaccines. Production and supply provide better protection for the elderly to prevent and control influenza.
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