How to prevent the flu

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on December 14, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

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

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.

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 Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
35sec home-news-image

How long does the flu vaccine last?

Compared to the common cold, influenza causes more severe symptoms and is more contagious. Antibiotics are ineffective against it, but influenza can be prevented, and vaccination is the most effective way. Currently, the immunity from the influenza vaccine generally lasts about one year. It starts to work about a month after injection, but after six months, the concentration of antibodies in the body gradually declines. Additionally, the virus mutates every year, so an annual vaccination is necessary to provide effective protection, reduce symptoms, and prevent influenza.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
1min 15sec home-news-image

Can the flu cause diarrhea?

Influenza can cause diarrhea, but this is a minority occurrence. Influenza is a disease that appears after the respiratory system of a human body gets infected with the influenza virus. After infecting the human body, influenza primarily manifests symptoms like coughing, sore throat, and fever. However, some patients may develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting after being infected with influenza. This situation is related to viral infection, not the commonly thought stomach flu or food poisoning. Some patients may also experience joint pain and a decrease in appetite. If a patient experiences diarrhea accompanied by respiratory infection symptoms and has tested positive for influenza antibodies, it is necessary to promptly use antiviral drugs for influenza. However, many doctors who do not have such experience in diagnosing influenza might mistake the nausea and diarrhea caused by influenza for gastroenteritis, leading to a delay in proper treatment. Therefore, if one has respiratory symptoms accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, the possibility of influenza should be considered.

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

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.