Influenza

Influenza is acute viral respiratory infection due to influenza A/B, presenting with sudden high fever, myalgia, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and malaise, with risk of viral/bacterial pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis. Treatment: rest; hydration; analgesics/antipyretics; antiviral (oseltamivir/zanamivir) within 48 h (or later for severe/high-risk); treat bacterial superinfection; oxygen/ventilation for pneumonia; isolate; annual vaccination for prevention; prophylaxis for high-risk during outbreak.

Common Symptoms

Sudden high fever/myalgia/headache; dry cough/sore throat; by uncomplicated/complicated

Causes and Pathogenesis

Influenza A/B infects respiratory epithelium, causing systemic symptoms and complications (pneumonia/myocarditis/encephalitis).

Treatment

Supportive care; oseltamivir within 48 h; treat bacterial superinfection; oxygen/ventilation if needed

Preventive Measures

Annual flu vaccine; hand hygiene; avoid close contact; prophylaxis for high-risk.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious-disease/Pulmonology/General practice department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.