Explanatory Section
Dr. Zhang Wei, Chief Physician of the Pulmonary Diseases Department at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Influenza A differs from common colds in terms of causative virus type, clinical symptoms, and contagiousness; mild cases can recover on their own, while severe ones require special attention.
What is influenza A? Influenza A, also known as Type A flu, is caused by influenza viruses. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Among these, Type A (mainly subtypes H1N1 and H3N2) and Type B (Yamagata and Victoria lineages) are more widespread in human populations. The incubation period for H1N1 influenza is generally longer than that of regular influenza and avian influenza, typically ranging from 1 to 7 days.
How does it spread? The primary transmission route for influenza A is via respiratory droplets. It can also spread through direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions, bodily fluids, and objects contaminated with the virus. Children are the main infected population, with no significant gender difference. They acquire immunity to the same strain within a short time after infection but are prone to recurrent episodes.
How is it diagnosed? After being infected with influenza A, patients may experience chills, fever, headache, muscle pain, general fatigue, reduced appetite, often accompanied by sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and conjunctival congestion. If these symptoms appear, especially during flu season, they may be due to an influenza virus infection. However, due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms and signs of influenza A, they can easily be confused with those of common colds and other upper respiratory infections. Therefore, laboratory testing is required for a definitive diagnosis of influenza A. Diagnostic methods include nucleic acid testing, viral culture, antigen detection, and serological testing.
How does it differ from the common cold? First, the causative virus types are different. Influenza A is caused by Type A influenza viruses, whereas common colds are usually caused by rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, Coxsackie viruses, and other common cold viruses. Second, the clinical manifestations are different. Symptoms in influenza A patients tend to be more severe, with higher fever and longer duration, accompanied by prominent muscle pain and headaches. Common cold symptoms are milder, featuring low-grade fever and mainly upper respiratory tract symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. Third, their contagiousness varies. Influenza A is highly contagious, whereas the common cold has little to no contagiousness.
Can influenza A resolve on its own? Can it lead to serious complications or be life-threatening? Influenza A can resolve on its own. Mild and typical cases usually recover within 1 to 2 weeks. However, severe cases may develop various complications, prolonging the illness and potentially threatening life. If various complications arise, such as viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock, the prognosis is poor and requires immediate intensive care.
Treatment Section
Dr. Wu Huan, Chief Physician of Traditional Medicine at Shanghai Shuguang Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Influenza A can be simply divided into two stages: exposure to cold and fever. It's crucial to seize the half-day window to halt the progression of the disease. During the fever stage, it's important to use heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines without under-treating the condition.
In clinical practice, influenza A often presents with symptoms such as fatigue, chills, high fever, headache, sore throat, and generalized muscle pain. Some patients may have mild or no symptoms. By the time patients realize they might have influenza A, they are often already in the high fever phase. Therefore, timing is critical, akin to fighting a sudden battle. This timing window is generally half a day, characterized by “unexplained fatigue, lack of energy, slight headache, joint and muscle aches, and some chills.” These symptoms suggest infection. Interrupting the progression of the disease and preventing further development is crucial at this point.
First Stage: Exposure to Cold According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the symptoms within the influenza A timing window are attributed to exposure to cold pathogenic factors. Rapidly warming and dispersing them is necessary to interrupt the disease progression. At this time, three actions should be taken immediately: turn on the heater in the room, prepare a cup of ginger scallion brown sugar water, and drink it while hot to induce a light sweat using the warming and dispersing properties of ginger and scallion. Simultaneously, place dry towels inside clothing on the chest and back to prevent further chill from sweating. Prepare warm water for footbaths, continuously adding hot water as it cools to maintain a tolerable temperature. These three actions must be performed simultaneously, both internally and externally, until a light sweat covers the body. Then cover up and rest. The purpose of inducing a sweat is to assist yang qi in expelling the cold pathogen, similar to stimulating the immune system in Western medicine. Heat patches can be placed over clothing where there is muscle pain. For throat pain, lozenges with anti-inflammatory and heat-clearing effects, such as Qingyan Dropping Pill or Liushen Pills, can be used, one at a time. By expelling the cold pathogen from the body and resting well, you will be prepared for the second stage, the frontal assault.
Second Stage: Fever If timely treatment is administered during the first stage, there should be no more chills the next day (if chills persist, it indicates incomplete elimination of the cold pathogen, which is generally associated with Shaoyang syndrome and can be treated with Xiao Chaihu Decoction). This stage begins with fever, which, according to TCM, belongs to the qi stage of the Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue differentiation. From a Western medical perspective, this is when the body's immune system launches a full-scale counterattack. At this stage, it's inappropriate to consume hot drinks like ginger tea, as doing so could worsen the condition. Instead, oral Bai Hu Decoction or other Chinese herbal medicines for clearing heat should be taken immediately. If the body temperature exceeds 39°C, physical cooling measures can be used, such as inserting an anti-inflammatory suppository into the anus or taking antipyretics orally. Generally, the fever subsides after sweating. During this stage, avoid under-treating the condition. The dosage and frequency of heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal medicines should be sufficient, with administration every 4 to 6 hours. After taking the medicine, continue to rest, ensuring bowel movements are smooth, as constipation can cause recurring fever.
If the patient experiences altered mental status, shortness of breath, wheezing, a respiratory rate greater than 30 breaths per minute (excluding anxiety or tension), or finger oxygen saturation below 93% (normal range is 95-98%), these indicate worsening conditions and require immediate emergency treatment.
Health Maintenance Section
Dr. Liu Yun, Chief Physician of the Pulmonary Diseases Department at Shanxi Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital:
After being infected with influenza A, attention should be paid to aspects such as diet, clothing, accommodation, and exercise. Scientific and appropriate self-care can help alleviate discomfort, shorten the course of the illness, and reduce complications.
Diet: Drink plenty of water to promote metabolism. Eat in moderation, in appropriate quantities, and at the right temperature. Follow the principle of small, frequent meals, and choose foods that are easy to digest, high in protein, and rich in vitamins. Avoid spicy, stimulating, cold, and hard-to-digest foods. Consume protein-rich foods like eggs, milk, lean meat, etc., because high-protein foods contain various amino acids that can replenish nutrients needed by the body and improve its resistance to illness. Eat fresh fruits such as apples, grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, etc., which are rich in vitamin C and can enhance antioxidant capacity and immunity. Vitamin C also stimulates the activity of white blood cells, increasing the production of interferons and enhancing the body's resistance to viruses, thereby promoting recovery. Consume fresh vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. They aid in the recovery of the infected person and stimulate gastrointestinal motility, increasing appetite.
Clothing: Dress appropriately based on weather changes to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Wear masks and cover your mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of the tissues properly. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Accommodation: Maintain suitable indoor temperature and humidity. Open windows regularly for ventilation, ensuring at least half an hour daily to keep the air fresh and reduce cross-infection. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, engaging in physical activity and going to bed early to ensure adequate sleep. Isolate yourself at home after contracting influenza A to minimize contact with others and prevent spreading the infection.
Exercise: Engage in stretching exercises for rehabilitation,