The Flu Is Not A Big Deal If Prevented Properly

The Flu Is Not A Big Deal If Prevented Properly

You probably have experienced the unpredictable weather conditions from last year until now, where it's hot, rainy, and cold, making it difficult to dress appropriately for the season. However, what's more concerning than choosing the right sweater is the illness that many people are experiencing due to the rapidly changing global temperature. While getting a common cold is manageable, getting the flu is a much bigger issue.

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread rapidly. Each year, the strain of the virus can change, causing varying degrees of severity. The flu can be especially severe in patients with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, and can even lead to death. This can result in significant medical expenses, time off from work, and decreased work productivity. In comparison to a common cold, the flu can be much more severe.

Influenza A (commonly known as the "flu") versus the common cold:

Influenza A symptoms include a fever that can spike suddenly to 38-40°C, muscle aches, fatigue that can last for several weeks, and occasionally nausea and vomiting in children. While runny nose and sore throat may be present in the early stages, they are not as common as with a cold. Influenza A is caused by the influenza virus, which affects the respiratory system.

On the other hand, the common cold typically presents with a low-grade fever, mild muscle aches, and a runny or stuffy nose. Sore throat may occur in the early stages, but is not as common as with influenza. Fatigue may occur, but is generally not as severe or long-lasting as with the flu. The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses that affect the respiratory system.

Do not be overly fearful and panic to the point of paranoia, because the flu can be prevented. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health have recommended that every high-risk individual should receive an annual flu vaccination to reduce the risk of severe complications from influenza infection, which may require hospitalization.

High-risk individuals include healthcare professionals and staff who are involved with patients, as well as those who have chronic conditions such as obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, diabetes, thalassemia, and HIV-infected patients with symptoms. In addition, the high-risk group for influenza also includes individuals who are 65 years of age or older, pregnant women who are four months or more pregnant, individuals who weigh more than 100 kilograms, individuals with disabilities who cannot care for themselves, and infants aged 6 months to 2 years.

Of all high-risk individuals mentioned, patients with underlying heart disease and diabetes should take special precautions to prevent influenza.

Because influenza infection has a direct relationship with the exacerbation of heart and blood vessel disease, once the body is infected, it triggers the stimulation and clotting of blood platelets, leading to a process of blood clotting that can cause blockage of blood vessels and ultimately result in sudden heart attacks.

Especially during the flu season when influenza is prevalent, it is often found that 4 out of 10 patients who are treated for Acute MI die suddenly, with the flu infection occurring shortly before. In addition, hospitalization and mortality rates for heart disease patients are also increasing. Therefore, getting vaccinated against influenza can greatly reduce deaths caused by heart and blood vessel disease.

For diabetic patients who contract influenza, they are at a higher risk of severe complications than non-diabetics. It is found that hospitalization rates are up to 6 times higher, and the chances of dying from infection during a flu outbreak increase by 5%.

Outbreaks of influenza occur worldwide and can be severe in certain years due to constantly changing weather patterns. The influenza virus can spread from animals to humans, causing the disease. In Thailand, influenza outbreaks occur frequently during the rainy and cold seasons, specifically from May to October and January to February.

Transmission:

The flu virus can be transmitted from one person to another through breathing, receiving mucus or phlegm from the patient, and the virus can enter through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated objects such as tissues, spoons, glasses, or through kissing. Additionally, touching the virus and then rubbing one's eyes or putting it in one's mouth can also result in infection.

Complications:

Generally, the flu can be cured on its own without complications. However, in some cases, complications may arise such as sinusitis, middle ear infection, inner ear infection, bronchitis, and the most serious being pneumonia, which is often caused by bacteria such as pneumococcus or staphylococcus. Complications from the flu usually occur in children and the elderly.

Treatment for the flu:

Rest as much as possible and avoid physical activity. Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, or even mineral water mixed with salt. However, avoid drinking plain water alone because it can lead to mineral deficiencies. Treat the flu symptoms like a cold by avoiding cold baths, using a wet cloth to wipe the body when the fever is high, eating soft foods, and taking Paracetamol painkillers. Adults should take one tablet (500 milligrams) of Paracetamol, 2-3 times per day. Avoid using aspirin if there are symptoms of wheezing or suspected pneumonia, in which case immediate hospitalization is recommended.

Vaccines:

Vaccination is an effective way to reduce hospitalization rates for patients with diabetes caused by influenza, with a reduction of up to 79% when vaccinated against the flu. Additionally, getting vaccinated against the flu also reduces the occurrence of complications and deaths related to the flu.

For those interested in receiving the influenza vaccine, there are currently two types available: the 3-strain and the 4-strain influenza vaccine. The 4-strain vaccine provides greater coverage against the B strain of the influenza virus, covering both the A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) as well as both the Victoria and Yamagata lineage B strains. This further enhances the ability to prevent the spread of influenza during outbreaks, thereby reducing the risk of illness and death.

If you or anyone in your family is at risk, it is recommended to seek medical advice and get vaccinated against influenza at a nearby hospital to prevent illness before it occurs.