Is there a risk of a full-blown "flu-like" epidemic at the end of the year? Doctor: No less lethal than COVID-19! Remember the "4+1" principle before going out for a party
As autumn and winter turn, coinciding with Christmas and New Year’s Eve events at the end of the year, will there be a major outbreak of influenza or “flu-like” epidemics? Dr. Liao Yixue, a full-time attending physician at Shuang Ho Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said in an interview that the influenza virus is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets or contact, such as in crowded places or places with frequent social interactions. It is indeed found in all age groups. Risk of infection.
What is the difference between influenza-like illness and influenza and cold? Are the symptoms and complications the same as the flu?
How to distinguish “influenza-like” from influenza and colds? Dr. Liao Yixue explained that colds are a common mild upper respiratory tract infection with common symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Most patients will recover on their own within a week, and serious complications are rare. In addition, colds are usually not caused by a single specific virus, but by more than 200 different viruses, the more common of which are rhinovirus and adenovirus. The disease itself is not seasonal.
Influenza is a seasonal disease caused by a specific “influenza virus”. The main difference between the flu and a cold is its greater severity and sudden onset of systemic symptoms, such as high fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The flu usually takes one to two weeks to clear up and may pose a higher risk to certain groups of people, such as older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses.
Finally, the identification of “flu-like” symptoms is to early identify people with respiratory symptoms who may have influenza rather than a cold. After all, influenza is more serious. Symptoms mainly include fever, respiratory symptoms, muscle aches, fatigue, etc. When other diseases (such as allergies, bronchitis or tonsillitis) are excluded, the condition is collectively referred to as “influenza-like”.
Could influenza-like disease cause pneumonia and myocarditis? Do year-end gatherings lead to large-scale epidemics?
Dr. Liao Yixue emphasized that influenza-like symptoms are a general term. During the autumn and winter influenza epidemic period, there is a high chance of being infected with influenza caused by influenza viruses; therefore, one must be alert to influenza-like symptoms. Basically, vulnerable groups need to pay attention to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, myocarditis, otitis media, etc.
“Everyone’s ’tolerance’ for health risks is different. Being more attentive can always lead to more prevention. If you want to participate in large-scale activities at the end of the year, here are the recommended things to do during the COVID-19 epidemic: wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and stay safe Social distance and all necessary epidemic prevention measures must be followed!”
Dr. Liao Yixue pointed out that vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases or cardiovascular problems, are at higher risk of severe illness after being diagnosed with influenza. Currently, the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare are opening in two phases, 10/2 and 11/1 respectively. Publicly funded influenza vaccines are available for specific groups. If people go to large gatherings or crowded places at the end of the year, or stay in schools, long-term care institutions or nursing homes for a long time, they can discuss with their attending physician whether to receive the vaccine. An extra layer of protection against influenza illness.
Isn’t it just the flu virus that you need to be careful about? Are RSV and hMPV likely to take advantage of the opportunity to break out and cause “multiple epidemics”?
It has been three years since the new coronavirus (COVID-19) caused a global epidemic. During this period, Taiwanese people’s health awareness has generally increased; therefore, when influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumonia virus (hMPV), Streptococcus pneumoniae As epidemics rage at the same time, people cannot help but worry about the harm to the human body of another wave of “double epidemics” or “multiple epidemics”.
Dr. Liao Yixue explained that viruses such as RSV and hMPV have actually existed in the human world for a long time. In view of the rising public awareness of the prevention and control of new coronavirus pneumonia, the risk of infection by the above-mentioned viruses has been reduced; and a series of unblocking measures may indeed reduce the risk of infection. Other viruses have the opportunity to take advantage of it, such as the hMPV virus that exploded in community transmission in April and May this year, as well as the RSV virus and adenovirus that can easily cause harm to children. Their high contagiousness should not be underestimated.
Dr. Liao Yixue emphasized that vaccination with vaccines that are widely recognized for their safety, such as the COVID-19 vaccine, Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine, and the newly introduced publicly funded influenza vaccine, can prevent various severe respiratory complications or reduce severe illness and hospitalization due to pneumonia. It has a certain effect on the risk of death. It is recommended to discuss with the attending physician whether vaccination is needed to improve overall protection.
Can taking health supplements in autumn and winter prevent the flu? Doctor: Remember the “4+1” principle to gain protection
In the face of the upcoming flu season, what measures can be taken in daily life to avoid contracting the epidemic? Dr. Liao Yixue said that the general public can keep in mind the basic principles of “4+1”, that is, wash hands frequently, wear masks, exercise more and get enough sleep; vulnerable groups can also add “vaccination” as they are especially vulnerable to virus infection. It is more important for groups that lead to acute illness, hospitalization or death.
Dr. Liao Yixue added that many people have the habit of taking health foods in order to enhance their immunity. In fact, there is currently not enough evidence to prove that a specific single vitamin or herbal medicine can reduce the chance of infection. Basically, a balanced diet and the basic principle of “4+1” can obtain a certain degree of protection. .
“Previous studies have found that the concentration of vitamin D in the blood is related to the risk of respiratory infections. However, it has not yet been concluded whether additional vitamin D supplementation has such benefits in adults!” However, Dr. Liao Yixue said that for those who do not have For people with disrupted physical activity and daily routines, it is still feasible to supplement with appropriate amounts of vitamins C and D under the supervision of a physician. However, care should be taken to avoid purchasing products from unknown sources to prevent the “bigger hole” in immunity.
Finally, Dr. Liao Yixue appealed to the public that although the COVID-19 epidemic is currently slowing down and epidemic prevention measures are almost completely relaxed, when participating in large gatherings at the end of the year, they should still carry masks and wash hands to prevent virus infection; in addition, they should also maintain appropriate social distance to avoid serious consequences from the expansion of the epidemic. community spread. If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, you must seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
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