In the cold winter, people are more susceptible to catching colds due to the temperature. This year is no exception, as winter is the peak season for influenza. So what are the ways in which influenza spreads?
【Winter is the Peak Season for Influenza】
Every winter and spring is the peak season for influenza, and this year is no exception. Many parts of China have already entered the peak period of influenza. The latest report from the National Influenza Center (4th) shows that most provinces in mainland China have entered the winter-spring influenza season, and the activity level is continuing to rise. The number of patients with respiratory infections in outpatient clinics in multiple cities has started to increase, and influenza is gradually entering its peak period.
Unlike common colds, influenza is highly contagious. In addition to the symptoms of common colds, it is often accompanied by high fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, myocarditis, meningitis, or encephalitis may occur.
Children and the elderly are susceptible to this flu. The Children's Hospital in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, is overcrowded, and some patients come to see doctors with their siblings. Since December, the hospital has seen a continuous increase in the number of flu-like cases, with an increase of at least 10% compared to November, mainly due to influenza A.
【What are the Ways in Which Influenza Spreads?】
Influenza patients and asymptomatic carriers are the main sources of transmission. There is infectiousness from the end of the incubation period to the acute phase, with the highest infectiousness during the first 2-3 days of illness. In adults and older children with seasonal influenza (without complications), the virus generally continues to be shed in respiratory secretions for 3-6 days.
Hospitalized adult patients can spread infectious viruses for a week or longer after the onset of illness. Studies have found that long-term shedding (1-3 weeks) is common in infants with influenza or H5N1 avian influenza. In addition, patients with immune deficiencies such as AIDS may experience prolonged periods of viral shedding.
The main mode of transmission of influenza is through airborne transmission, such as droplets. If you are in crowded places during the peak period of influenza, you should take protective measures, wear masks, and only masks with 8-10 layers of thick gauze can block the virus. Masks should not be worn in reverse, and after removal, they should be folded and tightly wrapped. It is best to boil or soak them in disinfectant water and dry them in the sun before reuse.
Another way of transmission is through contact with influenza patients, such as handshakes or contact with objects used by influenza patients. To prevent transmission, you should wash your hands frequently and use alcohol as a daily disinfectant. Follow the five-step handwashing method: before meals and after using the restroom, after sneezing, coughing, and cleaning the nose, and after returning home, be sure to wash your hands according to the prescribed procedure.
【The Characteristics of Influenza Epidemics】
Epidemic characteristics: sudden onset, rapid spread, peak in 2-3 weeks, high incidence rate, short epidemic period, often spread along transportation lines. Usually, after an epidemic lasts for 3-4 weeks, it will naturally stop. The incidence rate is high but the mortality rate is low.
Epidemic pattern: usually starts in urban areas and then spreads to rural areas, first in collective units and then in scattered residents. Influenza A often causes outbreaks or even pandemics. It occurs in small epidemics every 2-3 years, and according to the analysis of the four major epidemics that have occurred in the world, a major pandemic usually occurs once every 10-15 years. Influenza B occurs in outbreaks or small epidemics, and influenza C is mainly sporadic.
Epidemic season: it can occur in all seasons. In northern China, the peak of the epidemic generally occurs in winter and spring, while in southern China, it occurs throughout the year, with peaks mostly in summer and winter.
