With spring blossoms, here comes the season that the flu is active. What is influenza A? How can we distinguish it from the common cold? And how should we protect ourselves against influenza A?

Here are suggestions from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Influenza is a highly contagious and fast-spreading acute respiratory infectious disease caused by flu viruses, which are divided into four types: A, B, C, and D. Currently, the main viruses that infect people include A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) subtypes in influenza A virus, as well as B(Victoria) and B (Yamagata) in influenza B virus.

Distinction between influenza A and the common cold

Different infectious pathogens

Influenza A is the result of an infection with influenza A virus.

The common cold can be caused by viral infections such as rhinovirus and adenovirus, or by bacterial infections.

Different clinical symptoms

Influenza A patients are prone to high fever symptoms, headaches and muscle aches, which can lead to pneumonia in severe cases.

Generally speaking, patients with the common cold have no fever or only show low-grade fever. And related manifestations such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are more obvious than those of influenza A.

The influenza A is spread by droplets such as sneezing and coughing, and is infected by direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes which line many tracts and structures of the body, such as mouth, nasal cavity, and eyes. It is more contagious than the common cold and is more likely to spread among the population.

To prevent influenza A, it is critical to pay attention to the following two aspects

Daily protective measures

Keep a good respiratory hygiene practice and cover your nose with tissues or towels when coughing or sneezing.

Wash hands regularly and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Have a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate rest.

Avoid close contact with patients having flu-like symptoms. During the flu season, try to avoid going to crowded places. Masks should be worn correctly in closed environments, crowded places, poorly-ventilated places, medical institutions, and when in close contact with other people.

The places such as home, nursery and school should keep the rooms well-ventilated.

After flu-like symptoms occur, people should avoid going to work, school, and they are suggested to wear masks when contacting family members to reduce disease transmission. Children, elderly people, people with basic diseases, and pregnant women with symptoms need to increase their vigilance and seek prompt medical treatment according to the condition.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing influenza and can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications in vaccines. As ?u viruses are subject to variability, WHO updates vaccine composition annually based on the global in?uenza surveillance, recommending annual vaccination, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, caregivers for infants and toddlers, and medical staff.