Peak flu season: Strategies to protect against respiratory infections
According to the latest data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the positive rate of influenza viruses has been increasing, and more than 99% of them are Influenza A virus.
Elderly people, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions, obese people and other immunocompromised people are at high risk of developing serious illness after infection with influenza virus.
Vulnerable populations are more susceptible to pneumonia and associated comorbidities, and may also experience fluctuations in underlying medical conditions, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common virus that causes acute respiratory infections. The symptoms of HMPV infection are similar to those of influenza, but HMPV infection mainly manifests itself as a cold with fever, cough and runny nose, whereas influenza virus causes high fever and generalized fatigue.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific drug for human metapneumovirus, and the treatment is mostly symptomatic supportive therapy.
The incubation period of human metapneumovirus infection is usually 3-6 days, and the whole population is susceptible to it, but the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. For most people, human metapneumovirus infection is a self-limiting illness, with most people experiencing a gradual resolution of symptoms in about 1 week.
How to prevent HMPV?
HMPV is spread similarly to most respiratory viruses, mainly through the following routes:
One is droplet transmission: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus spreads through droplets.
Second is contact transmission: Close contact with a person infected with HMPV, or touching contaminated objects (such as doorknobs, phones, toys, etc.), then touching one's own eyes, nose, or mouth, can lead to the virus entering the body.
It is important to note that the immunity to HMPV is relatively short-lived, which means individuals may be susceptible to repeated infections. This virus poses a particular threat to children and is one of the main pathogens causing acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age.
In daily life, to prevent human parainfluenza virus infection, pay attention to the following four points:
- Hygiene: cultivate good hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks;
- Ventilation: open windows for ventilation regularly every day to keep indoor air flowing;
- Avoid crowds: try to stay away from crowded places or spaces with poor ventilation;
- Boost immunity: maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, and follow a regular routine.
(Source: People's Daily)
Related News:
Emergency room visits slightly increase, mostly due to upper respiratory infections
Comment