Can type A influenza heal by itself?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on April 18, 2025
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Type A influenza is self-healing, but it mainly depends on the person who is infected with the flu. Generally speaking, regarding viral diseases, our bodies will produce corresponding antibodies against these microbial pathogens, and then use these antibodies to eliminate them. Type A influenza is a cold-like disease caused by an influenza virus, and it certainly can stimulate our bodies to produce antibodies against this type of flu for elimination. For some young and healthy individuals, or those with a generally good health base, type A influenza can completely heal on its own without any antiviral medications. However, for older adults, those who are weaker, or those who have underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, type A influenza may lead to severe pneumonia or even be fatal. Therefore, whether type A influenza should be treated, or whether it can rely on self-healing, depends on the condition of the infected patient. Thus, the treatment principles of doctors also vary depending on the different conditions of patients.

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