Influenza


Why does Type A influenza cause chest tightness?
Influenza A is a type of upper respiratory infection caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, characterized by high contagiosity. Typically, when the respiratory tract is infected with the Influenza A virus, it causes patients to develop fever, often high fever, along with headaches, dizziness, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Moreover, some patients may have pre-existing asthmatic conditions, and infection with the Influenza A virus at this time can trigger asthma attacks, leading to various degrees of chest tightness. Many patients may also have cardiovascular diseases. When infected with the H1N1 influenza virus, the clinical symptoms caused during the acute phase can exacerbate the chest tightness and shortness of breath from some chronic cardiac changes. Therefore, if patients with Influenza A virus infection experience high fever, it may lead to increased heart rate, myocardial hypoxia, and a reduced oxygenation capacity, potentially causing varying levels of chest tightness. By making distinctions, one can identify the cause of the chest tightness.


How long does it take to recover from the flu?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is usually a respiratory disease caused by influenza virus infections in humans. It is characterized by being self-limiting, which means that patients can improve without treatment. The flu is no exception; it tends to be self-limiting but only in people with normal immune function. Typically, patients can recover on their own in about 7-10 days. However, for some specific populations like the elderly, children, pregnant women, or those with underlying diseases, the duration of the flu may be extended and may lead to severe complications.


Is the flu contagious?
Influenza refers to a disease characterized primarily by coughing, sputum production, sore throat, and fever, after the respiratory tract has been infected by the influenza virus. Additionally, influenza may present symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The infectiousness of influenza is mainly transmitted through the inhalation of droplets from one person to another within a population. In China, influenza is a legally mandated Class B infectious disease, and is indeed contagious. Therefore, if you notice individuals around you with fever, cough, or sputum production who are suspected of having influenza, isolation should be implemented. Moreover, it is advisable to avoid crowded places to reduce the possibility of being infected by influenza. Furthermore, vaccination during the flu season is also an effective way to protect against influenza.


Does type A influenza cause vomiting?
Influenza A is a very common upper respiratory tract infection caused by the H1N1 influenza virus after infecting the respiratory tract. Typically, patients with this type of flu will experience varying degrees of fever, and the body temperature tends to be quite high during fevers. Commonly, these patients may experience headache, dizziness, reduced appetite, and general weakness during the acute phase of infection. For patients with influenza A, due to the high fever, some may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and vomiting. This is mainly because the fever can affect normal digestive functions. Thus, when these patients eat slightly more than usual, they may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, it is common for these patients to experience varying degrees of nausea and vomiting, particularly in conjunction with headaches or when they have sore throats and coughs. As long as timely antiviral and symptomatic supportive therapies are administered, once the influenza A virus is effectively controlled, the symptoms of vomiting will also be alleviated.


How long does influenza IgM positive last?
Influenza IgM actually refers to a globulin released by our immune system after influenza enters our body and is recognized by the immune system. This globulin encapsulates or localizes the virus, aiding the phagocytic cells in our body to kill it. This is called IgM. IgM indicates the presence of the influenza virus and a recent invasion into the human body. It is a marker in body fluids and generally persists for about 14-20 days after infection. It does not provide long-term protection to our body and is merely a marker for the acute phase, disappearing once the situation stabilizes.


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.