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Influenza
Do you need to isolate for the flu?
Influenza can be classified into three types based on the surface membrane proteins and nucleocapsids: type A, type B, and type C. Type A influenza usually causes major outbreaks in populations. Due to frequent genotypic changes in type A influenza, the general population often lacks immunity against it. Generally, influenza is a legally designated class B infectious disease in the country, and it can be transmitted to normal or healthy individuals through droplets, sneezing, or aerosols. Therefore, if an outbreak occurs, isolation measures should be taken, people should avoid crowded public places as much as possible, and maintain ventilation by keeping windows open, to prevent transmission from infected patients or certain animals.
Is the flu serious?
Influenza is a contagious disease, mainly caused by the spread of the influenza virus among people. Patients may display symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever. The severity of influenza can vary. Typically, for people with normal immunity, influenza goes through a self-limiting process, and generally, patients can recover on their own without treatment in about 7 to 10 days. However, certain special populations, such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, cancer patients, or those who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long time, often experience prolonged symptoms after contracting influenza. Additionally, influenza can lead to influenza pneumonia, and in severe cases, it may cause myocarditis or meningitis, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, special attention should be paid to these vulnerable groups.
Does the flu require infusion?
Whether to administer intravenous fluids for influenza should be decided based on the severity of the illness, individual constitution, and the duration of the disease. It cannot be determined by the simplicity of the condition alone. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with influenza or parainfluenza virus. If the immune function is normal and there are no complications, generally one can recover on their own in five to ten days without the need for intravenous fluids. However, if influenza infects a person with a weak constitution and causes complications leading to bacterial infection, resulting in symptoms like breathing difficulties and coughing, intravenous fluid therapy is required.