It’s recently the high season of flu, and many people are experiencing sore throat, cough, runny nose …… The first reaction is: “I have a cold!” The first reaction is: “I have a cold!”, but in fact it is not, it is likely that you have the flu!
The difference between influenza and cold
Influenza and the common cold are both acute respiratory infections that occur in winter, but because of the different types of causes, there are also differences in prevention and treatment methods. Let’s take a look at what are the differences between the common cold and the flu:
Different pathogens
The pathogen of the common cold is a virus, more commonly a bacteria, etc., so the common cold can occur all year round. The flu, on the other hand, is caused by the influenza virus and is mainly seen in the winter and spring seasons.
Symptoms are different
The common cold usually starts slowly, with fever not exceeding 39℃, and upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, chest tightness, etc. are more obvious, while headache, body aches, chills, fever and other symptoms are lighter, and can generally be cured after 5~7 days.
Influenza usually starts rapidly, the temperature often exceeds 39℃, clinical manifestations include headache and fever, swelling and pain in both eyes, pain in limbs, fatigue, sometimes conjunctival congestion, nasal congestion, runny nose, dry and sore throat, children often have abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive system symptoms, and even convulsions.
How is influenza treated?
There are many ways to treat influenza, including immunomodulatory therapy, antiviral medication and Chinese medicine.
Immunomodulatory therapy
In recent years, there has been a great development in the application of immunomodulatory agents such as thymidine, human-derived interferon and interleukins for the treatment of viral infections.
The application of immunomodulating agents to the weak, young, old and immunocompromised people during influenza epidemic can increase the immune function of the body and promote recovery.
Antiviral drug treatment
Anti-influenza virus drugs including oseltamivir, zanamivir, paramivir, etc. are effective against influenza A and B.?
Oseltamivir (e.g. Tamiflu)
The adult dose is 75mg twice a day for 5 days, but in severe cases the dose can be doubled and the duration of treatment can be extended. If the medication is ineffective or the patient’s condition worsens during the course of treatment, it is important to pay attention to the development of drug resistance.
Zanamivir
For adults and adolescents over 7 years of age, use: 10 mg twice daily at 12-hour intervals (divided into two inhalations). However, inhalation is not recommended for use in patients with severe or co-morbid conditions.
Paramivir
The dosage for adults is 300-600mg. Clinical application data are limited and adverse effects should be closely monitored.
Chinese medicine treatment
Wind-cold Influenza
Symptoms include: cough, itchy throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, no sweating, aching limbs, heavy cold and light fever, thin white fur and moist pulse. The treatment is to warm the exterior of the lung and dispel cold. Take Jing Fang Defeated Poison San plus and minus (Jing Mustard, Fang Feng, Chai Hu, Qian Hu, Qiang Wu, Radix Platycodon, Chuan Xiong, Bai Zhi, Ge Ge Gen).
Wind-heat type influenza
The main symptoms are: fever with heavy chills, sweating, thirst, short and red urine, thin yellow fur, dry and sore throat, and headache. It is advisable to cool the exterior of the body and expel heat from the lung. Take Yin Qiao San plus or minus (honeysuckle, forsythia, guanzhong, light bamboo leaf, burdock, fresh rhizome, orris, mustard, peppermint, licorice).
How to prevent influenza?
Vaccination
Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and can significantly reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications in vaccinated individuals. It is recommended that people at high risk for influenza, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and medical personnel, should be vaccinated annually as a priority.
Medication prevention
Drug prophylaxis is not a substitute for vaccination and should only be used as an emergency temporary prophylaxis for people at high risk of severe influenza who have not been vaccinated or who have not acquired immunity after vaccination. Oseltamivir, zanamivir, etc. can be used.
General preventive measures
Maintaining good personal hygiene is an important means of preventing influenza and other respiratory infections. The main measures include: strengthening physical fitness and immunity; washing hands regularly; keeping the environment clean and ventilated; minimizing activities in crowded places and avoiding contact with patients with respiratory infections; maintaining good respiratory hygiene, covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or towel when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands after coughing or sneezing, Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible; rest at home and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have respiratory tract infection symptoms.
It is often said that drugs should not be used during pregnancy because they can cause fetal malformations. In fact, this is not absolute. It is usually believed that 0~12 weeks is the critical period of fetal development, if you take medicine may lead to fetal development malformation, so it is generally not recommended to use medicine; after 12 weeks, the fetal organs have been formed, the development is relatively stable, at this time if you have the flu is possible to use medicine under the guidance of doctors.
Some time ago, a pregnant woman got the flu and did not take any medication or see a doctor at home. When she went to the doctor on the fourth day of the flu, the fetus was already dead in the womb and she was being resuscitated. I would like to remind you that your body’s resistance during pregnancy is relatively weak, so you must seek medical attention in time for the flu to occur, and your doctor will give you professional guidance according to your situation.