Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It is also called the flu, but it is not the same as a cold. There are many different types of viruses that cause colds, but influenza is a disease caused by a specific virus. If you get sick with influenza, you are at risk for other infections. These include viral or bacterial pneumonia, which can infect your lungs. The risk of complications can be life-threatening. People who are 65 years of age or older, young children, people with lung or heart disease, people with certain chronic diseases, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Below, we will answer frequently asked questions about influenza (flu).
When Is Flu Season and How to Prepare for It?
Influenza A vs. Influenza B: Key Differences in Symptoms and Treatment
Can You Get the Flu After the Vaccine?
How to Care for Someone Infected with Influenza A
Influenza A Complications: What to Watch Out For
When Is Flu Season and How to Prepare for It?
The flu season usually starts in October in the Northern Hemisphere and lasts until May of the following year. It is most prevalent between December and February. Since the flu is a highly contagious disease, it is important to take preventive measures in advance to prepare for the flu season.
The following methods are recommended to prevent the flu:
Flu vaccination: Since vaccines are developed based on the types of viruses that are prevalent each year, it is recommended to get vaccinated every year. In particular, high-risk groups such as seniors over 65, people with chronic diseases, infants, and pregnant women should be vaccinated. It takes about 2 weeks for immunity to develop, so it is recommended to get vaccinated before the flu season.
Personal hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Avoid crowded places, and always wash your hands after going out.
Wearing a mask: During the flu season, it is helpful to wear a mask in crowded places.
Health care: Boost your immunity by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. It is recommended to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.
Indoor ventilation: Ventilate frequently to keep indoor air clean, and use a humidifier to maintain appropriate humidity.
Influenza A vs. Influenza B: Key Differences in Symptoms and Treatment
Influenza A and B are both viruses that cause the flu, and both are transmitted through the air through coughing, sneezing, etc. Here is detailed information about the differences in symptoms and treatment of influenza A and B.
1. Influenza A
Infection range: Influenza A can infect not only humans but also various animals such as birds, pigs, and horses2.
Mutation possibility: Influenza A frequently undergoes antigenic mutations, so new variants are likely to emerge. Mutations occur frequently, which can cause pandemics.
Symptoms: High fever (38 degrees or higher), cough, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, etc., and symptoms can appear rapidly and severely.
Treatment: Antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu) can be used to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
2. Influenza B
Infection range: Influenza B mainly infects only humans. Mutation potential: Influenza B mutates less and mainly causes regional outbreaks.
Symptoms: Symptoms are similar to those of influenza A, but are generally less severe.
Treatment: Like influenza A, it can be treated with antiviral medications.
Can You Get the Flu After the Vaccine?
You can still get the flu after getting the vaccine. The flu vaccine is not perfect, and on average it is about 50% effective. Here are some reasons why you can still get the flu after getting the vaccine:
Vaccine effectiveness: The vaccine does not prevent all types of viruses. The flu virus mutates very frequently, so the viruses that are prevalent each year are different. The vaccine is made based on the viruses predicted to be prevalent that year, but if the prediction is wrong or a mutation occurs, the vaccine may be less effective.
Antibody formation time: It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to form, so you can get the flu if you are exposed to the flu virus during this period.
Individual differences in vaccine effectiveness: The vaccine effectiveness varies depending on the individual's immune system. The vaccine may be less effective for the elderly or those with chronic diseases.
How to Care for Someone Infected with Influenza A
When caring for a family member or patient infected with influenza A, the most important thing is to prevent the spread of the disease and help them recover. Following the methods below can help the patient recover quickly and the caregiver reduce the risk of infection.
Adequate rest and sleep:
The infected person needs to get enough rest so that the body can fight the virus. Adequate sleep is essential to provide the body with the energy it needs to recover. Provide a quiet and comfortable environment so that the patient can rest comfortably. Ventilate the room at least 2-3 times a day to reduce the concentration of the virus. Use a humidifier or place water to maintain the indoor humidity at 50-60%.
Water intake:
Ensure that the patient drinks enough water through lukewarm water, tea, soup, etc. This helps prevent dehydration and dry throat. Electrolyte drinks are helpful if the patient has a high fever or diarrhea.
A balanced diet:
Provide easy-to-digest foods such as soup, boiled potatoes, and bananas, and foods rich in protein to boost immunity. Avoid fatty or spicy foods and encourage frequent small meals as they can decrease appetite.
Personal hygiene management:
Infected people should wash their hands frequently and cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash their hands thoroughly. Caregivers should also wash their hands frequently and wear masks when necessary. Wash items (cups, spoons, towels, etc.) used by infected people separately.
Medication management:
Take antiviral drugs or fever reducers as prescribed by a doctor. Help them take the medication at the prescribed time.
Symptom monitoring:
Carefully monitor symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, and severe cough. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. If a high fever (38.5℃ or higher) persists for more than 3 days, or if you have difficulty breathing, severe cough, or chest pain, you should seek medical attention.
Influenza A Complications: What to Watch Out For
Influenza A is not simply a disease that passes after a few days, but can cause serious complications, so special care is needed. In particular, high-risk groups are at a higher risk of developing complications, so they should be careful about prevention and management. The following are the main complications of influenza A and points to watch out for.
1. Main complications
Pneumonia: A disease in which the influenza virus invades the lungs and causes inflammation. It is divided into bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia. In particular, the elderly or those with chronic diseases can die from pneumonia.
Bronchitis: A disease in which inflammation occurs in the bronchial tubes or paranasal sinuses, causing symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, and runny nose. It can worsen chronic respiratory diseases.
Heart complications: The influenza virus can attack the heart muscle, causing inflammation of the heart, such as myocarditis and pericarditis. Symptoms include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Nervous system complications: The virus can attack the brain or nerves, affecting the nervous system, such as encephalitis and meningitis. Symptoms include confusion, seizures, convulsions, and paralysis along with high fever.
Sepsis: The infection can spread throughout the body, causing severe inflammatory reactions and organ damage, which can be life-threatening.
2. Things to watch out for
Management of high-risk groups: Elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases (chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, etc.) should be especially careful and visit a hospital immediately if they have flu symptoms.
Symptom monitoring: Carefully observe symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, and severe cough, and immediately visit a medical institution if symptoms worsen.
Prevention and isolation: Patients should minimize contact with others, wear a mask, and wash their hands thoroughly. If there are high-risk groups in the family, extra care is needed.
Adequate rest and hydration: If you are infected, your immune system is weakened, so the risk of complications increases, so get enough rest and hydration to help you recover.
source:
1. Flu (Influenza): Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
2. 8 Ways to Stay Healthy This Flu Season
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/8-ways-to-stay-healthy-this-flu-season
3. Influenza A vs. B: Differences, symptoms, treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327397
4. Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
5. How to care for someone with the flu: Advice and tips
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/caring-for-someone-with-flu