Distinguishing influenza A from colds and acute rhinopharyngitis
Influenza A is a type of seasonal flu, with symptoms similar to acute rhinopharyngitis and common flu, but has more dangerous complications if not treated promptly and properly.
How to distinguish influenza A from cold or acute rhinopharyngitis
Influenza A virus can be transmitted directly through the air through the respiratory tract. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets containing the virus can reach other people and spread the disease by inhaling them or touching objects contaminated with the virus.
In addition, a person can be infected with influenza A when: Sharing household items with an infected person (cups, bowls, spoons, towels, clothes, etc.) or accidentally coming into contact with household items (doorknobs, tables, chairs, etc.) and then bringing them to the nose or mouth.
People who come into contact with animals infected with influenza such as pigs, horses, poultry, etc. can also get the disease. Crowded places such as schools, parks, offices, etc. are also conditions for the virus to spread rapidly.
The symptoms of influenza A often appear suddenly and are easily recognizable, such as cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, headache, fever, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, body aches. Sometimes these symptoms go away on their own without special treatment. However, if the symptoms last for several days without improvement, the patient should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
It is difficult to distinguish between influenza A fever and fever caused by other viral infections, but high fever caused by influenza A often lasts longer. For people with weak immune systems such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women, close monitoring is needed because in some cases, complications of influenza A can be fatal.
Nowadays, when having fever, headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat... many people worry whether they just have a common cold, acute rhinopharyngitis or flu, especially influenza A?
In fact, when suffering from a cold or acute rhinopharyngitis, the patient has a fever but usually below 39 degrees Celsius, without chills. Meanwhile, patients infected with influenza A often have a fever above 39 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills.
In addition, patients with colds or acute rhinopharyngitis often experience headaches and sore throats, runny noses and occasional nasal congestion, and little sneezing. Patients with influenza A experience headaches and body aches, especially in the lumbar region, frequent runny noses and nasal congestion that may be accompanied by a sore nose and frequent sneezing.
Need to monitor, do not use drugs without permission
When experiencing symptoms such as headache, sore throat, runny nose, occasional nasal congestion, and sneezing, close monitoring is required. Patients should absolutely not use antibiotics or antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu without a doctor's prescription. If symptoms persist for several days without improvement, patients should go to the hospital for timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications.
It is necessary to monitor when the disease turns into a severe stage of influenza A, the patient may have a high fever causing convulsions, encephalitis, chest pain, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, respiratory failure and worsening cardiovascular problems. A few people experience gastrointestinal complications: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting...
Common signs of worsening in both adults and children include: rapid breathing, chest retraction, cyanosis, coma, convulsions, delirium...
How to prevent influenza A?
To ensure health and prevent disease, it is necessary to improve personal hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Clean and ventilate living areas, classrooms, and offices; clean surfaces with common disinfectants.
Drink enough water to strengthen your immune system. You can use filtered water, fruit juice or electrolyte drinks. Avoid drinks containing caffeine because they have a diuretic effect, causing your body to lose more water.
You should eat liquid foods such as soup, porridge, etc. to provide enough nutrients to boost immunity and can help reduce flu symptoms. Rest is also an effective way to help the body fight infection and help the immune system function well. Therefore, you need to sleep 8 hours a night when you have the flu.
And the best way to prevent the flu, especially influenza A, is to get vaccinated every year. Each flu shot protects against three to four different types of flu.
