What are the transmission routes of influenza A?
Disease description:
I am a homeroom teacher. Recently, some students in my class have been infected with influenza A, and I am concerned about the spread of the virus. Therefore, I would like to take some preventive measures and would like to understand the transmission routes of influenza A.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the Influenza A virus. This virus is highly contagious and can spread through various routes, including droplet transmission, contact transmission, and aerosol transmission.
1. Droplet transmission: When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, droplets containing the virus are released. If others inhale these droplets, they may become infected.
2. Contact transmission: The virus can also spread through direct contact. For example, shaking hands with an infected individual or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, or eyes with the hands may also lead to infection.
3. Aerosol transmission: Under certain conditions, such as during medical procedures, the Influenza A virus may exist and spread in the form of aerosols. Aerosols are tiny particles that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and may cause infection when inhaled.
Influenza A spreads through multiple pathways and is highly contagious. Therefore, during flu outbreaks, individuals should take personal protective measures such as wearing masks, frequently washing hands, maintaining social distance, and improving ventilation to reduce the risk of infection.
