Influenza

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
56sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
54sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
52sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
40sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
1min 1sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
55sec home-news-image

Can people with phlegm-dampness eat eggs?

Yes. Influenza refers to a type of disease characterized by fever, sore throat, and cough which occurs after human body is infected with influenza viruses, including type A, B, and C. It is also called epidemic influenza. Influenza is a class B infectious disease as legally defined in our country and has a certain transmissibility among the population. Patients often experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and decreased resistance after contracting influenza. As for eggs, they contain a balanced mix of nutrients, including rich proteins, trace elements, amino acids, and common vitamins, etc. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume some eggs during influenza to improve the nutritional status and resistance of patients, which is beneficial for their recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
58sec home-news-image

The incubation period of influenza is how many days?

The incubation period refers to the time from when pathogenic microorganisms invade the human body to when symptoms appear. We call this the incubation period. The duration of the incubation period is related to the patient's resistance and the virulence of the pathogenic microorganisms. Generally speaking, the incubation period for influenza A is usually about 2-4 days, while for other types like influenza B and C, the incubation period can often reach 5-7 days. During the incubation period of influenza, patients often do not exhibit typical flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and fever. The primary manifestations may be general malaise, such as muscle and skeletal pain, loss of appetite, poor digestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is very easy to misdiagnose these symptoms as other diseases during the incubation period.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
1min home-news-image

The difference between influenza and the common cold

Influenza, also known as the flu, mainly occurs when the human body is invaded by influenza viruses, resulting in symptoms primarily of coughing, fever, and sore throat. Besides these symptoms, influenza can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The body temperature of patients often exceeds 39°C or 40°C. On the other hand, the common cold is mostly caused by rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, EB viruses, or even infections from Haemophilus influenzae, leading to relatively localized lesions. Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, and it may not include fever. The prognosis of the common cold is generally better than that of influenza, and it is less likely to lead to severe complications.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
50sec home-news-image

Can rhinitis be treated with antibiotics?

Influenza can be treated with antibiotics, but there must be appropriate indications and signs for their use. After influenza infection, the human body may experience a decline in immunity due to the virus, especially a decrease in lymphocytes, which makes it particularly susceptible to bacterial infections. These bacteria are likely to cause bacterial inflammation, with the main symptoms being cough, coughing up yellow phlegm, or having a runny nose with yellow nasal discharge. If such yellow or purulent secretions are observed, they generally indicate a bacterial infection, and it is advisable to boldly use some antibiotics for treatment. Antibiotics that are less toxic, have fewer side effects, and have strong antimicrobial activity should be chosen; such antibiotics often yield very satisfactory results.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Can people with hyperlipidemia drink alcohol?

Influenza patients should not drink alcohol because they are already experiencing reduced immune function due to the infection with the influenza virus, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The influenza virus typically shows a seasonal pattern, with higher incidences in the winter and spring seasons, and it can be transmitted through the respiratory tract to people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, once influenza is definitively diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly provide antiviral treatments, clear heat and detoxify, as well as reduce fever and handle other symptoms, to effectively control the discomfort caused by the virus. Influenza patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods in their diet, and they should drink plenty of water and consume fresh vegetables and fruits. It is absolutely essential to avoid alcohol to prevent exacerbating the symptoms of the influenza virus.