Symptoms of Influenza A
Disease description:
Hello doctor, many children at my kid's school have recently been infected with swine flu (H1N1), but I'm not yet clear about the specific symptoms after infection. I would like to learn about the symptoms of swine flu in case my child develops any and I might not recognize them, so I can also take proper preventive measures.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Influenza A, commonly known as "Type A flu," is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the Influenza A virus. Its symptoms can primarily be summarized as follows:
1. Fever: This is one of the most common symptoms. The onset is usually rapid, with body temperature rising to above 38°C within a few hours, sometimes even exceeding 39°C. The fever may present as continuous, remittent, or irregular.
2. Respiratory symptoms: These include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion. The cough is often dry or accompanied by phlegm and can sometimes be severe.
3. Systemic symptoms: Patients with Influenza A often experience generalized muscle pain, especially in the back, legs, and arms, as well as significant fatigue.
4. Other symptoms: Some patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Regarding treatment, it is primarily symptomatic and supportive. For patients with severe illness or those at risk of developing severe disease, antiviral medications should be administered as early as possible. Preventive measures mainly include influenza vaccination, maintaining good personal hygiene practices, and avoiding contact with individuals who have the flu.
