Influenza: A danger that should not be overlooked

The number of influenza outbreaks and deaths is increasing. This year's winter is longer than usual, so the flu can cause severe symptoms and dangerous complications. It can lead to critical conditions or death, especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children and people with underlying diseases.

Dr. Worintip Mahapasuthanon, Infectious Disease Specialist, Vejthani Hospital Explain that influenza is a viral infection that can occur throughout the year, especially during the change of seasons. Influenza is different from the common cold because it has more severe symptoms and can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. Influenza can be spread through small droplets from coughing or sneezing, and can be transmitted by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, such as doorknobs, mobile phones, or desks, and then touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth). The incubation period of influenza is 1-4 days, with infected people able to spread the virus from 1 day before symptoms appear to 5-7 days after the first symptoms appear. For children and people with compromised immune systems, the virus may be spread for longer.

Influenza is usually more severe than the common cold and comes on quickly, with the main symptoms being:

• High fever (38-40°C) Occurred suddenly
• Body aches and pains, muscle pain Especially the back, arms and legs
• Severe headache Feeling heavy-headed or dizzy
• Fatigue, easily tired, no energy Symptoms may persist for several days.
• Dry cough or cough with phlegm A sore throat may also occur.
• Runny nose, stuffy nose But it is not as pronounced as the common cold.
• Chills, sweats Due to high fever
• Dizziness, nausea, vomiting Common in children

Most symptoms improve within 7-10 days, but in some cases, serious complications can occur. The risk groups that are more likely to easily develop serious complications are children under 5 years old, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease), and people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients and people infected with HIV.

Severe complications to watch out for

• Pneumonia (Pneumonia): The virus can spread to the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. This can be caused by the influenza virus itself or by a secondary bacterial infection.
• Myocarditis (Myocarditis): It causes heart weakness, irregular heartbeat, and may lead to heart failure.
• Encephalitis (Encephalitis): Causes severe headache, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
• Circulatory failure (Sepsis): Causing blood pressure to drop to the point of being life-threatening
  Muscle inflammation and kidney failure: Some people may have severe muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis) and develop acute kidney failure.
• Acute respiratory failure (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome – ARDS) It is a condition that may occur in critically ill patients.

By virusInfluenza is divided into: 4 main breeds namely Breed A It is a virulent strain that has caused a global pandemic. It is the strain that has caused the most deaths in Thailand. Breed B It usually occurs seasonally and the symptoms are not as severe as the A strain. Breed C The symptoms are mild and do not cause outbreaks, andBreed D Outbreaks have only been reported in animals, and there is no evidence that it causes disease in humans.

In addition, getting vaccinated against 4 strains of influenza will help reduce the chance of getting sick, reduce the infection rate, reduce the severity of the disease and prevent complications. In addition, it is recommended to take care of yourself to prevent infection, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, wearing a mask when in crowded places, avoiding close contact with patients, not sharing personal items, eating nutritious food and exercising regularly, which will be able to effectively prevent influenza.