Is the flu serious?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can influenza-specific drugs prevent influenza?

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the invasion of the respiratory tract by influenza virus. Clinically, it can be divided into type A influenza and type B influenza based on the specific type of virus infection. Clinically, there are actually no specific drugs for influenza. The key is to provide appropriate antiviral medications for symptomatic treatment. For example, if a patient is infected with the influenza virus, commonly used treatments include traditional Chinese medicines or antiviral drugs, which can effectively alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms caused by the influenza virus. Regardless of which type of influenza virus the patient has, the medications used in clinical treatment cannot prevent influenza. Therefore, we recommend avoiding going out as much as possible during the peak season of influenza. If going out is necessary, it is important to take precautions, as influenza is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask when going outside can reduce the chances of getting infected with influenza.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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How many days does the flu fever last?

Flu fever generally lasts for 3-5 days. Flu refers to the condition characterized by sore throat, cough, and fever after the human body is infected with the influenza virus. It is called influenza, which is a symptom that appears after a viral infection. In most cases, it is self-limiting, meaning it can be treated with or without medication. The fever from influenza generally lasts about 3-5 days, and usually, after five days, the body temperature begins to decrease, and even returns to normal. Around 7-10 days, the patient's condition can naturally be completely alleviated. Therefore, influenza is not a severe disease, and as long as medication is used properly, some cases might see the fever subside within 3-5 days.