Recently, most parts of China have ushered in cold wave weather, and the cooling in the northern region is particularly large. At this time of year, it is the high incidence of winter flu, so you must not be careless, and learn how to protect Xi with Director Li Xiaorong!
The positive rate of influenza virus continues to rise
On November 23, the National Influenza Center of China** released the 779th China Influenza Surveillance Weekly Report for the 46th week of 2023.
Surveillance data showed that in the 46th week of 2023 (November 13, 2023-November 19, 2023), the positive rate of influenza virus testing in southern and northern provinces continued to increase, with the A(H3N2) subtype being the main type, followed by the B (Victoria) lineage. Outbreaks of 205 influenza-like cases have been reported nationwide.
Complications that can be caused by infection with the influenza virus:
Director Li Xiaorong pointed out that pneumonia is the most common complication, among which secondary bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Staphylococcus aureus. Other complications include nervous system damage, heart damage, myositis and rhabdomyolysis, shock, etc. Influenza complicated by laryngitis, otitis media, and bronchitis are more common in children.
High rate of influenza virus infection:
What are the main symptoms of getting the flu?
Director Li Xiaorong said: The main manifestations of influenza are fever, headache, and general malaise, and the body temperature can reach 39 40, and the fever degree of children is usually higher than **. There may be chills, chills, muscle and joint aches, fatigue and other obvious systemic symptoms, accompanied by loss of appetite. There is often sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, retrosternal discomfort, facial flushing, and conjunctival hyperemia.
How does the flu spread?
Influenza is mainly transmitted by respiratory droplets, and secondly, it can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the oral cavity and nasal mucosa, such as touching items contaminated with the virus with hands, and touching the mouth and nose can also cause infection.
Who is susceptible to getting the flu?
The population is generally susceptible to influenza viruses, and most are self-limited. Some people are at higher risk of serious complications after infection, including people aged 60 years and older, children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions.
How to prevent the flu?
Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and can significantly reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications. At present, the influenza vaccines used in China include inactivated influenza virus vaccine and live attenuated influenza virus vaccine. Neuraminidase inhibitors and polymerase inhibitors (e.g., oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, favipiravir, etc.) are specific drugs for influenza A and B.
Priority population
According to the Technical Guidelines for Influenza Vaccination in China (2023-2024), annual influenza vaccination is an effective means to prevent influenza and reduce the burden of influenza-related severe disease and death, and it is recommended that all people aged 6 months and without contraindications to vaccination receive influenza vaccine. The following groups of people are recommended to be vaccinated first:
1) Medical staff;
2) Seniors over 60 years old;
3) Patients suffering from multiple chronic diseases;
4) Vulnerable groups and employees in places where people gather, such as nursing homes, long-term care institutions, and welfare homes;
5) Pregnant women;6) 6 59-month-old children;
7) Family members and caregivers of infants under 6 months of age;
8) Childcare institutions, primary and secondary schools, supervision places and other key places that are prone to outbreaks of respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza.
Vaccination time is recommended
Influenza vaccine should be given annually before the influenza season. Protective levels of antibodies are usually produced 2 to 4 weeks after the flu vaccine, and the antibody peaks after 1 month. The best time for influenza vaccination in our province is recommended to be September and November every year, and if the best time for vaccination is missed, it can still be vaccinated throughout the epidemic season.
Director Li Xiaorong warmly reminded
Maintaining good personal hygiene Xi is also an important means of preventing respiratory infections such as influenza. Wash your hands frequently;During the flu season, high-risk groups are advised to reduce their visits to crowded places and wear masks when they goCover coughs and sneezes with tissues or towels, then wash your hands, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. It is also important to ventilate the room frequently, work and rest regularly, balance nutrition, avoid overwork, and maintain your own immunity.