Cold wave is coming, beware of influenza invasion! You must know these influenza prevention and treatment knowledge

The cold wave hit, the temperature dropped sharply, and the risk of influenza virus transmission increased further. Influenza is not an ordinary cold, and its harm should not be underestimated. Director Li Xionghui, head of the 120 pre-hospital emergency department of Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (affiliated hospital of Hunan Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine), reminded everyone to pay attention to the prevention and response of influenza and master the correct first aid knowledge.

1. Preventive measures for influenza

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus, which is highly contagious and spreads quickly. To prevent influenza, you can start from the following aspects:

1. Get a flu shot : This is the most effective way to prevent the flu. It is recommended to get a flu shot every autumn, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.

2. Maintain good hygiene habits :

Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds each time.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow.

3. Reduce gatherings : Try to avoid going to crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Keep warm : During cold waves, the temperature drops significantly. Dress warmly when going out to avoid catching cold.

5. Keep the room ventilated : open windows regularly to keep the indoor air fresh.

6. Enhance immunity : get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, eat more foods rich in vitamin C, and exercise moderately.

2. How to deal with influenza when it strikes

If you have flu symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, etc., you should take the following measures:

1. Rest at home: People with mild symptoms can rest at home, keep the room ventilated, and drink plenty of water.

2. Closely monitor the condition of the patient: especially high-risk groups such as children under 5 years old, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases. If the condition progressively worsens, seek medical attention in a timely manner.

3. Correct use of medication: Use antiviral drugs and antipyretics under the guidance of a doctor, and avoid using antibiotics on your own.

4. Wear a mask: reduce contact with family members and avoid cross infection.

3. Call 120 for medical treatment in time

Although influenza can heal itself in most cases, some patients may develop serious complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, meningitis, etc., which may even be life-threatening. If you experience the following symptoms, please call 120 emergency number immediately:

1. Fever for more than three days;

2. The body temperature is above 40℃ and persists;

3. Difficulty breathing and impaired consciousness;

4. Severe vomiting and diarrhea;

5. Persistent chest pain;

6. Self-treatment with oral antiviral drugs is ineffective.

4. High-risk groups need special attention

The elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms after being infected with the flu and need to be paid special attention. Once these people develop flu symptoms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment.

Expert reminder:

Director Li Xionghui reminds: With the arrival of the cold wave and the sudden drop in temperature, the risk of influenza virus transmission increases. I hope everyone can pay attention to the prevention of influenza, take good personal protection, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have flu symptoms, do not delay and seek medical treatment in time. In an emergency, remember to call 120 emergency number to strive for the best treatment time. Let us work together to protect our health and get through the cold wave safely.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Chen Huifang, 120 Emergency Center, Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

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(Edited by YT)