What are the six misconceptions about influenza?
by
Influenza is an infectious disease with symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose and cough, and it spreads widely from November to March every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , 3 to 5 million serious cases of influenza occur each year, and 290,000 to 650,000 people die from influenza. Inverse , an American web media, summarizes the “six misunderstandings” associated with influenza.
6 common myths about the flu, debunked | Inverse
https://www.inverse.com/article/60421-everything-to-know-about-flu-season
◆ 1: Misunderstanding that 'flu is a' severe cold ''
Influenza and cold are certainly both respiratory diseases, but there is a difference that colds are mainly caused by rhinoviruses and influenza is caused by influenza viruses . There are three types of influenza viruses, type A, type B, and type C. The A1 type H1N1 subtype , H3N2 subtype, and type B are known to show epidemic spread.
In addition, the symptoms of influenza are generally more severe than those of colds, and it may be accompanied by serious complications such as pneumonia, muscle inflammation, and multiple organ failure. In addition to the need for hospitalization if the symptoms become severe, pregnant women, elderly people over 65 years old, children under 2 years old, people with kidney or lung disease, people with diabetes are at high risk of complications, It seems to be in danger.
by
◆ 2: Misunderstanding that 'flu is affected by influenza vaccine'
Influenza vaccines do not contain live virus, so vaccination will not cause influenza. The reason for this misunderstanding was that during the period when influenza vaccination was recommended, there were viruses that caused influenza-like symptoms, and people affected by one of these were It seems that there was a possibility of misunderstanding.
In addition, because there is a time lag of about two weeks before the effect of the vaccine itself appears, if you are vaccinated during the flu season, there is a possibility that you will have influenza during the period from the vaccination until it is effective.
by
◆ 3: Misunderstanding that immunization can prevent influenza 100%
Influenza vaccines do not prevent infection 100%, and effectiveness depends on the health and age of the person who receives the vaccine, and the type of influenza virus that is prevalent. It is also important not to be wary of being vaccinated, wash your hands thoroughly with soap or water, and avoid contact with sick people.
◆ 4: Misunderstanding that 'it's easy to get flu if you're in a cold place'
The only way to get flu is to get the virus into the body, no matter how cold it stays, the virus will not develop unless it is infected. Of course, there may be influenza virus in a cold place, but it also exists in a warm place.
by
◆ 5: Misunderstanding that ' swine flu is prevalent among people'
Inverse pointed out that the term “swine flu” has been misused since the new flu pandemic in 2009 . Swine flu, which actually spreads among pigs, can spread to humans, but the spread of the virus is limited and it is not widespread among humans.
The new influenza virus A (H1N1) pdm09, which was popular in 2009, was often referred to as “swine flu” because it was pointed out that it was the closest to swine flu and that the source was swine flu. Used However, the A (H1N1) pdm09 type is a new type of influenza virus that infects humans, and the Japanese government has unified the name to “new type of influenza” from April 28, 2009. In addition, at the time of article creation, lethality rate of A (H1N1) pdm09 type is said to be the same or less than other seasonal influenza, and treatment similar to normal influenza is performed.
by Mutinka
◆ 6: Misunderstanding that 'flu drugs are antiviral drugs'
Influenza treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms such as runny nose, body pain, and fatigue, and antiviral drugs are rarely administered to eradicate influenza virus. People who are at risk for serious complications may prescribe antiviral drugs, but it is necessary to administer antiviral drugs at an early stage of 24 to 48 hours after onset.
However, although antiviral drugs are rarely used worldwide for influenza, antiviral drugs such as zanamivir (relenza) and oseltamivir (tamiflu) are used for treatment in Japan. The Japanese Society for Infectious Diseases recommends the administration of antiviral drugs from the early stages of onset.
by stevepb
Related Posts:
in Science, Posted by log1h_ik