How is it different from seasonal flu?

Influenza A spreads in Spain: how does it differ from seasonal influenza? Is it more dangerous?european publishing house

We put Christmas behind us influenza epidemic The climb continues in Spain. According to data from the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), cases increased by 75% last week to 438.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

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one of them respiratory tract infectionAs well as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A infections have brought the Spanish population to the brink of collapse.As explained to us, the peak of its cases Health Guide’ he Dr. Manuel Linaresexpected “throughout this week.”

What is influenza?

this is a disease It has affected humans and other animal species since ancient times. (Avian flu, which affects birds, or swine flu, which affects pigs).

It is a pathology caused by different types of viruses that can combine with each other to cause epidemics every winter before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Flu vaccine is another effective measure to avoid complications

As we have seen these days, Highly contagious and easily spread from person to person Through saliva or secretions that come out when you talk, cough, or sneeze (as in other respiratory illnesses).

Dr. Linares, a member of the Spanish Association of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN), explained that flu cases are coming earlier this year because “last year” That was in late January or early February.“.

Flu symptoms begin a few days after infection:

  • sudden fever

  • Dry cough (may even last for more than two weeks)

  • Headache

  • muscle and joint pain

  • General malaise

  • sore throat

  • runny nose

In most cases, the symptoms characteristic of this respiratory infection disappear on their own. No medical attention required.That is Potentially dangerous For vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, people over 65, or people with pre-existing conditions or immunosuppression.

The ‘triad’ continues to spread in Spain: how do I know if I have flu, common cold or COVID-19?

How is it different from influenza A?

Influenza A is the name of the influenza A virus we all know. It is caused by influenza A virus. Novel influenza A virus (H1N1). As the Ministry of Health explains, most cases have “mild symptoms, few symptoms, and no complications.”

This means that “if necessary, most patients can recover at home with adequate follow-up by professionals without the need for hospitalization.”

As with other respiratory illnesses, the symptoms are very similar and sometimes difficult to distinguish from seasonal flu or COVID-19.

  • Fever, one of the most common symptoms
  • Cough, which may be dry or productive

  • runny nose

  • sore throat

  • Muscle pain

  • fatigue

  • Chilled all over

  • General malaise

  • weakness

Health centers collapse due to flu epidemic

One of the most significant differences is that nausea and vomiting may also occur in this case.

When should you go to the emergency room?

If this occurs:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • sudden deterioration

  • Condition worsens after 7 days of illness

  • chest pain

  • Coughing up blood

  • Blue discoloration or bruising of the skin and lips

  • Dizziness or changes in consciousness

  • High fever that lasts for more than three days

  • low tension

  • Symptoms other than common flu symptoms

On the kids:

  • accelerated breathing

  • Difficulty breathing

  • rash

  • nausea

  • extremely irritable

A simple cold can lead to pneumonia if not treated properly.

Tips to avoid getting the flu

Prevention is the best way to fight the flu. Some tips to avoid contagion from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES):

  • wash hands often: Before eating, before handling food, after leaving the bathroom, and after blowing your nose or coughing.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing: If you can use your arm or a tissue instead of your hand.
  • Use disposable tissues: Throw it away after each use, do not store used items or leave them on the table or bedside table.
  • avoid kissing and very close contactand sharing glasses, cutlery, towels, and other items that may have come into contact with saliva or secretions.
  • If someone in your home has the flu, Clean common surfaces more frequently (Doorknobs, sinks, handles) Use your usual cleaning products and air out the room more frequently by opening windows.

  • live a healthy life: Good sleep, healthy diet, drink plenty of water, live an active life, avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
  • Use a mask if you have flu-related symptoms when you are around other people, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Also in health centers such as health centers and hospitals. Its use in waiting rooms is important to avoid transmission to vulnerable groups.or health care providers of patients with influenza A (H1N1) or patients with similar symptoms

  • Stay home if you have symptoms: The virus can spread from 1 day before to 7 days after the onset of symptoms, with the highest contagion in the first 3 days. It is recommended to stay at home to ensure you do not spread it to others.

flu treatment

  • rest

  • drink lots of fluids

  • Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking

  • Medications to treat flu symptoms (fever reducers, headaches…).

  • The flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics cannot improve symptoms or speed healing.

  • Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers (it may cause a rare but serious syndrome called Reye’s syndrome, which causes swelling of the liver and brain)

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