Can I take medication for type A flu if I don't have type A flu?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

If currently not infected with influenza A, one should not take related antiviral medications to avoid inappropriate treatment, development of drug resistance, or adverse reactions caused by improper medication use. Therefore, when experiencing similar symptoms, one should undergo relevant examinations such as complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and viral nucleic acid testing to determine the exact cause before receiving targeted treatment, so as to avoid self-medication that may cause adverse effects.

Generally speaking, "swine flu" refers to influenza A. If not infected with influenza A virus, one usually should not take medications designed to treat influenza A. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by infection with the influenza A virus. Medications that combat the influenza A virus are primarily intended for patients with influenza A. However, if a person is currently not suffering from influenza A, related medications should not be used blindly, as this may result in inappropriate treatment and delay in proper care. Moreover, the misuse of antiviral drugs may lead to drug resistance in the virus and could also cause side effects such as diarrhea and dizziness.

If symptoms similar to those of influenza A appear, but are not caused by the influenza A virus, timely medical tests should be conducted, such as complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, viral nucleic acid testing, and serological examinations, to determine the exact cause before initiating targeted treatment.

It should be noted that all diseases should be treated with medications under the guidance of a physician; self-medication should be avoided. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and regular作息 (作息 means作息 in Chinese, which refers to a regular routine of rest and activity) during treatment is important to promote recovery.

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Is dizziness after influenza A a sign of recovery?

Under normal circumstances, "Jia Liu" refers to Influenza A H1N1. Whether dizziness following Influenza A H1N1 indicates recovery depends on the specific circumstances. If dizziness is the only symptom present without other accompanying symptoms, it usually suggests the condition is improving. However, if dizziness is accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, or fatigue, it may not indicate improvement. If any discomfort persists, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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What does a high level of amyloid A protein indicate?

Infection is a common cause of elevated marker levels. During bacterial infections such as pneumonia and pyelonephritis, serum amyloid A protein rapidly increases within hours, and the extent of elevation often correlates with the severity of the infection. Viral infections, such as influenza and coronavirus infection, can also lead to increased levels, although the rise is typically less pronounced than in bacterial infections, making it a useful adjunct for differentiating types of infection.