What is Type A influenza?
Disease description:
Suddenly got infected with influenza A, feeling extremely unwell. I had only heard of this illness before but didn't really understand it. Now I want to know exactly what influenza A is and why it causes high fever, coughing, and whole-body weakness?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Influenza A, also known as H1N1 influenza, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus.
This virus is highly contagious and mainly spreads through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of influenza A include high fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea may occur, although these symptoms are more commonly seen in children.
The severity of illness varies from person to person. High-risk groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic underlying medical conditions, may develop severe complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and multi-organ dysfunction, which may even be life-threatening.
Treatment primarily involves antiviral medications, such as neuraminidase inhibitors like oral oseltamivir. Effective methods for preventing influenza A include receiving the seasonal flu vaccine and maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and improving indoor ventilation.
If symptoms suggestive of influenza A occur, immediate medical attention should be sought, and treatment should be conducted following the doctor's instructions.
