Can influenza-specific drugs prevent influenza?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on October 22, 2024
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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
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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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How is avian flu treated?

First, patients suspected or confirmed with avian influenza should be isolated and treated as early as possible. Second, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir should be taken within forty-eight hours of onset, the sooner the better. Third, physical cooling or antipyretic drugs should be administered during high fever, and medications like Compound Licorice Tablets and Ambroxol Hydrochloride can be used to relieve severe cough and phlegm. Oxygen therapy using nasal cannulas or masks may be administered depending on the degree of hypoxia. Fourth, strengthen supportive treatment, maintain internal environment stability, and prevent complications.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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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.)

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Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
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How to get a flu vaccine?

Influenza vaccines are mainly produced to prevent epidemic influenza and are currently available in three main types: Type A, B, and C. The target population for influenza vaccine administration primarily includes the elderly, preschool children, and patients with chronic underlying diseases, who are more suitable for vaccination. For children under three years old, the influenza vaccine should be administered twice, as it is administered via muscle injection and cannot be used intravenously. For this age group, the two doses should be spaced at least four weeks apart. For children over three years old and adults, an annual vaccination is sufficient. The optimal time for influenza vaccination is usually in September and October, as influenza tends to outbreak in winter and spring, so vaccinating during these months can greatly prevent influenza.