Is type A flu the same as influenza?
Disease description:
Recently, the weather has been unpredictable, and my wife unfortunately caught a cold. At first, we thought it was a common cold, but her symptoms have gradually worsened, with persistent high fever, severe coughing, and body aches. She is worried whether she might have contracted influenza A. May I ask, is influenza A the same as the flu?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Influenza A is not the same as the common flu, but it is a type of influenza, and both require attention and prevention.
Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus. It belongs to the category of influenza, similar to the common flu, but there are differences. Influenza A is more contagious, causes more severe illness, has a relatively higher mortality rate, and is more likely to cause pandemics. The common flu, on the other hand, is caused by other types of influenza viruses, generally presents with milder symptoms, and spreads less easily. The symptoms of influenza A and common flu are similar, but influenza A may be accompanied by more severe respiratory symptoms such as rapid breathing and chest pain. Some patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Additionally, during outbreaks, influenza A is highly contagious and may lead to more infections and severe complications.
In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate rest, drink plenty of water, enhance nutrition, and improve the body's resistance. During flu season, attention should be paid to personal hygiene, frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places as much as possible to prevent the occurrence of influenza.
