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Copywriting丨Dr. Zhu's health science
Editor丨Dr. Zhu Health Science Popularization
In this spring season, everything is reviving and vibrant, but an invisible threat is quietly spreading - influenza A (influenza A) is sweeping with extraordinary force, catching many people off guard. This year's influenza A seems to be more "violent" than in previous years, spreading quickly and affecting a wide range, which has plunged some patients into an unprecedented health crisis.
More worryingly, influenza A can also cause a serious condition called white lung, which is a wake-up call for certain groups. What's going on here? Why is this year's influenza A so unusual? Which groups need to be extra vigilant? Let's find out.
Jialiu: This year's "uninvited guest"
Influenza A, a type of influenza, arrives "on time" every year in winter and spring, but this year the situation seems to be different. According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in many places, the number of influenza A cases has increased significantly compared with the same period in previous years, and the fever clinics in hospitals are overcrowded, and many schools and units have also been affected.
Influenza A viruses, especially the H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes, have been the protagonists of this influenza outbreak due to their high variability and infectiousness.
White Lung: The Hidden Killer Behind Influenza A
When it comes to influenza A, people tend to focus on common symptoms such as fever, cough and muscle aches, but what is less well known is that influenza A can cause a serious complication called "white lung" in some cases. White lung, not the literal whitening of the lungs, but refers to the appearance of large white shadows in the lungs under X-ray or CT scans, which is a sign of severe damage to the lungs and a sharp decline in function.
After influenza A virus invades the human body, if it is not controlled in a timely and effective manner, it may trigger a violent inflammatory response, resulting in damage to lung tissue, which in turn affects oxygen exchange, and in severe cases, even life-threatening.
Why is this year's A flu so "fierce"?
To explore the reasons for the "violent" influenza A this year, a number of experts and scholars gave their insights. On the one hand, the mutation of the influenza virus is a factor that cannot be ignored. Influenza viruses have a very high ability to mutate, and new strains of the virus emerge every year, and the human body often lacks immunity to new virus strains, which provides an opportunity for the rapid spread of the virus.
On the other hand, the epidemic prevention and control measures in the past few years, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, although effectively curbing the spread of the new coronavirus, may also reduce people's exposure to other respiratory viruses to a certain extent, thereby reducing the chance of natural immunity. When these measures are relaxed, the susceptibility of the population to the "long-lost" influenza A virus naturally increases.
Climatic factors should not be overlooked. This year's climate is abnormal, with large temperature differences, hot and cold, which is conducive to the survival and spread of the virus, and also provides a hotbed for the rampant influenza A.
Which groups can't be careless?
Not everyone faces the same risk when faced with the threat of influenza A. The following groups need to be extra vigilant:
1. Seniors
Due to the decline of physical function, weakened immunity, and poor resistance to the virus, the elderly are prone to develop severe disease and even serious complications such as white lung once they are infected with influenza A. During the flu season, the elderly should try to go out as much as possible, pay attention to keeping warm, maintain good living habits, and get vaccinated in time.
2. Infants and children
The immune system of infants, young children and children is not fully developed, and their defense against viruses is weak, and they are prone to cross-infection in collective settings such as schools and kindergartens. Parents should pay close attention to their children's health, seek medical attention as soon as they notice symptoms such as fever and cough, and avoid contact with flu patients.
3. Patients with chronic diseases
People with chronic underlying diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, etc., are prone to aggravate their condition and even cause complications once they are infected with influenza A. This group of people should pay more attention to personal protection during the flu season, take their medications on time, have regular check-ups, and if necessary, carry out preventive treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
4. Pregnant women
Due to the increased burden on the body, the immunity of pregnant women is relatively weakened, and the influenza A virus may cause adverse effects on the fetus. Pregnant women should avoid crowded places as much as possible during the flu season, maintain good hygiene, and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
5. Medical personnel and public service personnel
Health workers and public service workers are at higher risk of infection due to the nature of their work, which makes them more likely to come into contact with influenza patients. Such people should strengthen personal protection, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, etc., while regular health monitoring and vaccination.
How to deal with influenza A effectively?
In the face of the threat of influenza A, we are not helpless. Here are a few tips that may help you cope effectively:
1. Get vaccinated up to date
The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu. Receiving an up-to-date flu vaccine before the World Health Organization (WHO) can significantly reduce the risk of infection and the incidence of severe disease. In particular, the above-mentioned high-risk groups should be actively vaccinated.
2. Strengthen personal protection
During flu season, try to minimize going to crowded places, wear a mask and maintain social distancing if you must go. Wash your hands frequently, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and running water, and avoid touching sensitive areas such as mouth, nose and eyes.
3. Maintain good habits
Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising moderately can strengthen your body's immunity and reduce the risk of infection. Paying attention to indoor ventilation and keeping the air fresh can also help prevent the flu.
4. Seek medical attention promptly
If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, or muscle aches, you should seek medical attention and inform your doctor of your travel and exposure history. Influenza virus testing can be done if needed to confirm the diagnosis and prompt treatment.
5. Use drugs wisely
For patients with influenza, antiviral drugs and symptomatic drugs should be used rationally under the guidance of a doctor. Do not blindly use antibiotics or antipyretics to avoid delaying the condition or causing adverse reactions.
Doctor's point of view: The prevention and control of influenza A requires the participation of the whole people
As a doctor, I am deeply aware of the importance of influenza A prevention and control. This year's influenza A epidemic once again reminds us that no one should take infectious diseases lightly. The prevention and control of influenza A requires the participation and efforts of the whole people. At the individual level, strengthening self-protection awareness and improving health literacy are the keys to preventing influenza A.
From a social perspective, strengthening the construction of the public health system and improving the capacity of epidemic surveillance and response are important measures to protect people's health.
I would also like to remind everyone that in the face of infectious diseases such as influenza A, there is no need to panic excessively. With the advancement of medical science and technology and the accumulation of experience in prevention and control, we are confident and capable of coping with the challenges of various infectious diseases. As long as we unite as one and prevent and control it scientifically, we will definitely be able to defeat influenza A and protect the health of ourselves and our families.
In this season of influenza, let us work together to resist the invasion of influenza A. Let us use knowledge and action to build a solid line of health defense for ourselves and our families. Health is our most valuable asset.
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