According to Qingdao:
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus, which spreads rapidly and can cause seasonal epidemics every year, seriously endangering the health of the population. Autumn and winter are the seasons of high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza. As the global epidemic situation of new coronary pneumonia continues, experts have judged that there is a greater risk of superimposed epidemics of new crowns and influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases this winter and next spring. So, what is the difference between the flu and the new crown? How can we prevent it?
Influenza or COVID-19? How to tell the difference?
Influenza is mainly manifested as symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, loss of appetite, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, dizziness, general muscle aches, and fatigue.
New coronary pneumonia is mainly manifested by respiratory symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Some patients may be accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, myalgia, diarrhea, and decreased sense of taste or smell.
The early symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are similar. Once influenza and COVID-19 co-populate, there will be a large number of cases with similar symptoms of respiratory tract infection. Risk of virus transmission.
Influenza and new coronary pneumonia superimposed infection, the risk is greater
Studies have shown that people with influenza are more likely to be infected with the new coronavirus, and they are more likely to induce a storm of inflammatory factors after infection with the new coronavirus. Patients with flu and new coronary pneumonia at the same time will experience aggravated symptoms and even suffer from other serious diseases. , the risk of death is 2.35 times that of patients with only new coronary pneumonia.
How can we prevent the flu?
1. Influenza vaccination: Influenza vaccination is currently the most effective means of preventing influenza, which can significantly reduce the risk of influenza-related severe illness and reduce the health hazards caused by influenza-related diseases.
2. Take daily protective measures: during the flu season, try to minimize going to crowded places; when family members have flu patients, try to avoid close contact; once flu-like symptoms occur, they should rest at home, conduct health observation, and not be sick work and class.
3. Pay attention to good personal hygiene habits: wash your hands frequently, do not touch your eyes, mouth, and nose with your hands; cover your mouth and nose with tissues, towels, etc. when coughing or sneezing.
4. Maintain good living habits: do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, strengthen physical exercise, maintain a balanced diet, pay attention to the combination of work and rest, and improve your own immunity.
Who needs the flu vaccine in time?
In order to minimize the harm of influenza and the impact on the prevention and control of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, the following key and high-risk groups are recommended to receive influenza vaccine in a timely manner:
1. Medical personnel: including clinical rescue personnel, public health personnel, health quarantine personnel, etc.
2. Large-scale event participants and security personnel.
3. Vulnerable groups and employees in crowd gathering places such as elderly care institutions, long-term care institutions, and welfare homes.
4. Crowds in key places: teachers and students of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, detainees and staff of prison institutions, etc.
5. Other high-risk groups for influenza: including seniors aged 60 and older at home, children aged 6 months to 5 years, people with certain chronic diseases, family members and caregivers of infants under 6 months of age, and pregnant women or planning to become pregnant during flu season women.
Source: Qingdao Disease Control Public Account