The difference between influenza A and the common cold

Recently, influenza A (influenza A) has been rampant. According to the latest data from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the positive rate of influenza virus continues to rise, of which more than 99% are influenza A.

It is obviously different from the common cold in some aspects. I will explain the difference between the two in simple words below:

1. Different pathogens of infection  Influenza A is caused by influenza A virus infection.  The common cold may be caused by viral infection such as rhinovirus and adenovirus, or may be related to bacterial infection.

2. Different symptoms  Patients with influenza A are prone to high fever, headaches, and muscle aches, which can lead to pneumonia in severe cases.  Patients with common colds generally have no fever or only low fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and other catarrhal symptoms.

3. Different infectiousness  Both influenza A and the common cold can be spread through droplets such as sneezing and coughing, and can be infected through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and eyes. However, influenza A is more infectious than the common cold and is more easily spread among people. The influenza A virus spreads quickly and is highly contagious, so it can be said that "if one person is infected, the whole family will be infected."

4. Different treatment methods: In addition to symptomatic treatment, influenza A patients also need to use antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir phosphate granules for treatment.

5. Other differences  Influenza A is prone to complications, such as pneumonia, and can even cause complications such as severe respiratory failure, which is life-threatening. Most common colds are self-limiting and patients can recover on their own.

How can we prevent the serious harm caused by influenza A? To prevent influenza A, the key is to take daily protective measures:

1. Maintain good respiratory hygiene habits. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, towel or elbow;

2. Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

3. Balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate rest, etc.;

4. Avoid close contact with patients with flu-like symptoms;

5. Try to avoid going to crowded places and wear a mask correctly;

6. Keep windows open for ventilation as much as possible in homes, childcare institutions, school classrooms and other places every day.

7. After flu-like symptoms appear, you should avoid going to work or school while sick, and wear a mask when contacting family members to reduce the spread of the disease.

H1N1 is not to be feared. Know about it and take precautions first. If you are really infected, don't panic, please seek medical attention immediately.