Influenza


How many days does the fever from influenza last?
Influenza, also known as the flu, generally refers to a group of diseases characterized by sore throat, cough, and fever, which occur after the human upper respiratory tract is infected by the influenza virus. We call it influenza or flu. Since influenza is a viral infection, it has a certain self-limiting nature, meaning that patients might recover completely over time without treatment. The fever caused by influenza usually lasts three to five days for people with normal immune systems. However, for some elderly, infants, and pregnant women, the fever might extend to five days or even ten days, and special attention is needed for these groups.


Can type A influenza heal by itself?
Type A influenza is self-healing, but it mainly depends on the person who is infected with the flu. Generally speaking, regarding viral diseases, our bodies will produce corresponding antibodies against these microbial pathogens, and then use these antibodies to eliminate them. Type A influenza is a cold-like disease caused by an influenza virus, and it certainly can stimulate our bodies to produce antibodies against this type of flu for elimination. For some young and healthy individuals, or those with a generally good health base, type A influenza can completely heal on its own without any antiviral medications. However, for older adults, those who are weaker, or those who have underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, type A influenza may lead to severe pneumonia or even be fatal. Therefore, whether type A influenza should be treated, or whether it can rely on self-healing, depends on the condition of the infected patient. Thus, the treatment principles of doctors also vary depending on the different conditions of patients.


What foods to eat for the flu
Influenza, also known as the flu, is primarily caused by the invasion of the respiratory tract by the influenza virus, resulting in symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and fever. In traditional Chinese medicine, influenza is categorized as wind-heat lung heat disease or phlegm-heat obstructing the lungs syndrome. It is generally recommended that patients with the flu should consume light, heat-clearing, fire-reducing, and anti-inflammatory foods. It is best to avoid overly oily, salty, or sweet foods. Additionally, consuming foods primarily made from ingredients like dandelion, Andrographis paniculata, and wild chrysanthemum can clear heat, detoxify, reduce inflammation, and have antibacterial effects, providing some supportive benefits for flu treatment.


Can H1N1 flu be treated?
H1N1 influenza, commonly referred to as Type A influenza, is highly contagious and considered an acute upper respiratory infectious disease. Typically, the incidence of this disease is very high during the flu season. It can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. In cases of H1N1 influenza virus infection, appropriate antiviral drugs can be used for symptomatic treatment. Generally, the condition of H1N1 influenza can be effectively controlled. Patients with this type of influenza usually recover within about a week with timely and effective treatment. Therefore, H1N1 influenza is treatable, and the course of the disease generally lasts about a week.


What to do if you are afraid of cold with type A influenza?
Patients with Type A influenza who are sensitive to cold often need to pay attention to appropriate warmth. Additionally, monitoring the patient's temperature is necessary, and if the patient has a fever, it is often necessary to use antipyretic medications to control their temperature and alleviate symptoms of chilliness and cold sensitivity. For Type A influenza, it is generally recommended to start antiviral treatment with a neuraminidase inhibitor orally within 48 hours of onset. Antiviral treatment can help shorten the duration of illness and reduce the complications related to Type A influenza. Moreover, in cases of Type A influenza where the patient is sensitive to cold, it is also important to pay attention to a light diet and proper hydration. Avoiding staying up late and excessive physical exertion are non-pharmacological measures that also help with the condition.


How many days will the flu get better?
Influenza refers to a series of diseases characterized mainly by sore throat, cough, and fever, which occur after the respiratory tract of humans is infected by the influenza virus. We call it influenza, or epidemic flu, which is generally caused by a viral infection and is a self-limiting disease. Usually, it can naturally improve within 7-10 days. Of course, this refers to people with normal immunity, such as young people or those who generally have good physical health. However, elderly and children might experience a prolonged illness, which could extend to 10-15 days, and may even lead to related complications due to influenza, such as influenza meningitis, influenza pneumonia, or even influenza myocarditis. Therefore, special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women.


Why is there a low fever after the flu?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is primarily due to an infection of the flu virus in our upper respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever. After the influenza virus enters the human body, it replicates repeatedly. Post replication, the body's immune cells attempt to eliminate it. However, it is usually challenging for immune cells to completely clear the virus in one go. Therefore, many patients experience a prolonged period of low-grade fever or persistent abnormal body temperature after the flu. Generally, the course of the flu is about 10-14 days, and recovery is typically achievable, often with a complete resolution of fever. Thus, there is no need for excessive worry. Treatment can be effectively enhanced by using a combination of antiviral Chinese and Western medicines.


What should I do if the flu recurs with fever?
Influenza, also known as the flu, refers to a disease characterized primarily by sore throat, cough, and fever, caused by an influenza virus infection of the upper respiratory tract during the flu season. Due to the repeated replication of the influenza virus after entering the human body, it triggers an immune response between the person and the virus, thus causing repeated fevers. However, for a person with normal immunity, the flu can improve on its own, usually over 7 to 10 days. During these 7 to 10 days, if the fever recurs, it can be managed with some antipyretic medicines. Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine have relevant drugs. After the fever subsides, the flu can usually heal on its own within about 3 to 5 days. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)


How is the flu transmitted?
Influenza, also known as the flu, typically occurs when the human body is infected by influenza viruses, leading to associated symptoms. The symptoms of influenza can vary depending on the type of infecting pathogen or virus. Influenza is primarily transmitted from person to person or through contact with livestock and poultry. The main route of transmission is through droplets, such as when one comes into contact with droplets from a sneeze or cough of an infected person. Another possibility is through contact with birds or livestock, such as being infected by secretions or excretions from pigs, which is also a mode of transmission.


How to prevent the flu
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.