▌Tong Zhaohui, member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Director of Beijing Institute of Respiratory Diseases
At present, the weather is cold, which is the season for high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza (hereinafter referred to as "flu").
However, in daily life, many people are vague about the concept of common cold and flu, and delay in treatment often leads to more severe flu symptoms.
So, what is the difference between flu and cold?
What are the conditions that require timely medical treatment?
How to effectively prevent influenza?
It is important to distinguish between flu and cold correctly
With symptoms such as high fever, chills, fatigue, sore throat, headache, etc., many people subconsciously think that they just have a cold, and they will be fine if they carry it, but they don’t know that it may be the flu.
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. People are generally susceptible to influenza. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases are all high-risk groups of influenza.
Influenza patients and invisible infections are the main sources of infection of influenza. Influenza viruses are mainly transmitted through droplets such as sneezing and coughing. It can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and eyes. It can also be transmitted by contact with items contaminated by the virus. Infected through the above-mentioned ways.
Influenza viruses can be divided into multiple subtypes such as type A, type B, and type C.
Every winter and spring are the seasons for influenza, and the seasonal epidemics are mainly caused by influenza A and B viruses.
In contrast, the pathogens of the common cold are mainly common coronaviruses, and the seasonality is not obvious.
In terms of symptoms, colds are often local catarrhal symptoms, that is, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, no fever, or mild to moderate fever. Usually, the course of the disease is about a week. During treatment, only symptomatic treatment is required, drinking plenty of water, and rest. That's it.
The flu is manifested as systemic symptoms, namely high fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches all over the body. A small number of flu patients may suffer from flu pneumonia. Once these symptoms occur, they need to seek medical treatment in time, and use anti-fever and anti-flu drugs. Treatment, in addition, because the flu virus is highly contagious, patients should pay attention to self-isolation and wear a mask when going out to avoid cross-infection.
It is worth noting that influenza viruses change differently every year. According to the test data of relevant laboratories in Beijing and across the country, it can be seen that the recent influenza is mainly type B influenza.
Children are at high risk of influenza, parents need to be vigilant
Clinically, influenza is one of the important reasons leading children to see a doctor.
On the one hand, schools, kindergartens and other institutions have dense populations, which are more likely to cause the spread of influenza. On the other hand, children’s immunity is relatively low. They are not only susceptible to influenza, but also high-risk groups of severe influenza, children younger than 5 years old. , Especially those younger than 2 years old are more likely to have serious complications, so parents and teachers need to pay enough attention and vigilance.
It should be noted that the symptoms of flu children in daily life are not the same. In addition to high fever, cough, and runny nose, some children will also have symptoms such as listlessness, lethargy, abnormal irritability, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, children with flu It often progresses rapidly. When the flu is severe, complications such as acute laryngitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, and acute otitis media may occur. Therefore, parents need to identify the symptoms of influenza in children as soon as possible, observe the condition of the child at all times, and do not let the child "carry it hard".
If your child has symptoms such as persistent high fever, poor mental state, difficulty breathing, frequent vomiting or diarrhea, you need to seek medical attention.
In addition, whether the child is suffering from a cold or flu, parents should not blindly use antibiotics during treatment. This will not cure the flu, and improper use will also cause drug resistance. Instead, they should take antiviral drugs as soon as possible under the guidance of a doctor to control it. .
After children have flu symptoms, they should be isolated and protected to avoid cross-infection in school or nursery school, ensure adequate rest, drink plenty of water, reduce fever in time, and choose easy-to-digest and nutritious food for diet.
There is a "Road" to prevent the flu and do these things
The Spring Festival is approaching. On the days of family reunion and joy, don't let the flu "join the fun", so doing daily protection is the most important.
In fact, the protective measures against cold, flu and other respiratory infectious diseases are basically the same. At present, under the influence of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, everyone's awareness of protection has also been significantly strengthened.
Keep social distance, avoid gatherings, try not to go to crowded public places, especially places with poor air circulation; wear masks when going out to reduce contact with things in public places; pay attention to hygiene and wash hands frequently, especially after going home, use hand washing Wash your hands with liquid or soap and wash your hands with running water; pay attention to indoor ventilation. When family members have flu, try to avoid cross-infection; increase or decrease clothing in time according to temperature changes; balance meals, strengthen exercise, ensure adequate sleep, and improve immunity. It is an effective preventive measure.
In addition, influenza vaccination can effectively prevent influenza. The best time for influenza vaccination is usually from September to November. As winter is the season of influenza, vaccination in advance can provide maximum protection. In addition, due to influenza vaccination The protective effect is usually only maintained for 6-12 months, so the flu vaccine needs to be injected every year.