Is the flu easily contagious?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 14, 2024
00:00
00:00

Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. Typically, it starts suddenly with symptoms such as high fever, headache, fatigue, conjunctivitis, and widespread muscle pain. Respiratory symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose are relatively mild in comparison. The flu is mainly transmitted through contact and airborne droplets, and it is highly contagious among the general population. It also has a high incidence rate and can lead to outbreaks; if not properly controlled, it can pose a severe threat to human life.

Other Voices

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

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
49sec home-news-image

How many days does it take to recover from the flu?

Influenza is primarily a disease caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract with the influenza virus. It is a contagious disease that can spread among people, leading to an outbreak. Although influenza is a frightening illness, it is a viral infection characterized by being self-limiting, meaning that whether or not medication is used, the patient's condition can improve on its own. Typically, the course of influenza can improve on its own within about 7 to 10 days. At this time, it is sufficient to use medications that reduce fever, relieve pain, or treat nasal congestion and coughing, since patients generally recover on their own after about 7 days, and medication is only needed to alleviate symptoms. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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

What fruits can people with edema eat?

Influenza refers to a group of diseases that occur when the respiratory system of the human body is infected by the influenza virus, primarily characterized by coughing, sore throat, and fever. However, besides causing respiratory symptoms, the influenza virus can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can also lead to a decrease in appetite. Fruits, due to their abundant fluid content and rich vitamins and minerals, are particularly suitable for consumption during influenza when appetite is reduced. It is generally recommended that patients eat some fruits that clear heat, reduce fire, and nourish the yin, such as pears, tangerines, lotus roots, sugarcane, and water chestnuts. These fruits can effectively treat influenza and also supplement the needed nutrients.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
49sec home-news-image

Can the flu cause recurring fever?

Influenza can cause recurrent fever as a symptom. Epidemic influenza, also caused by influenza or parainfluenza virus infection, is a type of acute respiratory infectious disease. The presence of the virus in the body can stimulate the body's temperature regulation center, which may cause recurrent episodes of fever, typically lasting about three to five days, and the fever should not persist beyond seven days, so there is no need for excessive worry. It is advised to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and take appropriate antipyretic medication to manage the fever when it occurs. Additionally, antiviral medications like Qingkailing or antiviral oral solutions can be used for antiviral treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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

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.