What are the fastest treatment methods for influenza?

Feb 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

There is generally no such thing as "the fastest treatment methods for influenza." Influenza may be related to improper personal protection, environmental factors, poor living habits, underlying diseases, and characteristics of the influenza virus. Common treatment approaches include rest and isolation, attention to environmental hygiene, external traditional Chinese medicine treatments, close observation and monitoring, and the use of anti-influenza viral medications.

Influenza refers to the flu. Generally, there is no such thing as "the fastest treatment for influenza." Influenza may be associated with improper personal protection, environmental factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, underlying diseases, and characteristics of the influenza virus. Common treatments include rest and isolation, attention to environmental hygiene, external traditional Chinese medicine treatments, close observation and monitoring, and the use of anti-influenza viral drugs. It is recommended to visit a hospital to determine the cause and follow medical advice for treatment. The analysis is as follows:

1. Improper personal protection: During the peak season for influenza, frequenting crowded and poorly ventilated places such as malls and stations, improper protection, and not wearing masks may increase the chance of contact with the virus, making infection more likely. Patients should stay at home in isolation and rest, ensuring adequate sleep, which is beneficial for physical recovery.

2. Environment: Cold, dry environments are conducive to virus survival and transmission. In winter, indoor activities increase, indoor air becomes poorly circulated, and the concentration of viruses in the air rises, making it easier to spread among people. Pay attention to environmental hygiene, timely ventilation and disinfection to reduce residual viruses.

3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Long-term late nights and excessive fatigue place the body in a state of stress, affecting the normal function of the immune system, leading to reduced immunity, making one more susceptible to influenza. Patients can go to the hospital for auxiliary treatment using external traditional Chinese medicine methods such as moxibustion and massage. For example, moxibustion at points like Zusanli (ST36) can regulate immune function; massaging points like Fengchi (GB20) and Yingxiang (LI20) can aid recovery.

4. Underlying diseases: If one already has underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or asthma, the respiratory mucosal defense function may be impaired, or overall physical function may be poor, and the immune system's ability to clear the virus may weaken, making infection easier. It is recommended that patients promptly seek treatment for their primary disease at a hospital, closely monitor changes in their condition, monitor indicators such as vital signs, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, myocardial enzymes, and chest imaging, to allow timely adjustments to the treatment plan.

5. Characteristics of the influenza virus: The influenza virus easily undergoes mutation; antigenic drift and shift can prevent the body's existing immune memory from recognizing new viral strains, thus making infection and illness more likely. Patients should take antiviral medications under a doctor's guidance, such as oseltamivir phosphate granules, zanamivir inhalation powder, and peramivir injection.

During the recovery period, nutritionally balanced meals should be ensured, including foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as lean meat, fish, and eggs, to enhance the body's resistance.

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Does Lianhua Qingwen treat allergic asthma?

The core effects of Lianhua Qingwen are clearing away epidemic toxins, detoxification, promoting lung function, and relieving heat. It is primarily used to treat influenza due to heat-toxin attacking the lungs, and is not intended for the treatment of allergic asthma. Allergic asthma results from an abnormal immune response to allergens and requires targeted anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy treatments. Patients with allergic asthma should seek timely evaluation and standardized treatment at a respiratory medicine department.

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Can a cold be transmitted to people nearby?

If a cold is caused by a virus (such as influenza virus or rhinovirus) and is in the early stage of illness (1–3 days when symptoms are apparent), it can easily spread to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact. When patients cough or sneeze, they release virus-containing droplets; others may become infected by inhaling these droplets or touching contaminated objects. The risk is particularly higher in enclosed environments.

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Is a person still contagious after fever subsides due to a cold?

If a cold is caused by the influenza virus, or if symptoms such as persistent cough, sore throat, and runny nose remain after fever subsides—even if the fever has only been gone for less than 24 hours—there may still be infectivity. Influenza viruses are highly contagious and can persist for a long duration; even after the fever resolves, residual virus may remain in the body and spread via respiratory droplets. The persistence of symptoms also indicates that the virus has not been completely eliminated, meaning there remains a risk of transmission.

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Can patients with viral influenza eat rice noodles?

In general, patients with viral flu can eat rice noodles, as long as they consume them in moderation. When eating rice noodles, avoid spicy broths and excessive stimulating seasonings; opt instead for clear broth or mushroom-based soup, which are more suitable. Drink plenty of warm water daily to promote viral metabolism, and ensure adequate sleep to support body recovery. Regularly open windows indoors to ventilate and maintain fresh air, and avoid crowded places to prevent cross-infection.