‘Influenza’ is closer than you think and anyone can get infected. In 2023, there were 3 times more cases than in 2022. Meanwhile, the strains in the outbreak change every year.
‘Influenza’ is closer than you think and anyone can get infected. In 2023, there were 3 times more cases than in 2022. Meanwhile, the strains in the outbreak change every year.
Keypoint:
Influenza: Each year there may be new strains. more, which in 2023 there are 2 groups of 4 strains, namely strains A / H1N1, H3N2 and strains B / Yamagata, Victoria WHO announced the influenza virus that will spread in 2024 Thailand, which is in the northern hemisphere but will spread throughout the year. Southern Hemisphere This year the names of the strains include both Thailand and Phuket. Influenza vaccinations are given every year. It is the best way to prevent and reduce the severity of the flu.
In 2023 and 2024, there will be additional new strains. Most recently ‘Dr. Wichol Limpattanachart’ posted via Twitter ‘Vichol Limpattanachart MD’ that the WHO announced the influenza virus that will spread in 2024 for countries where There is an outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Thailand, which is in the Northern Hemisphere but has outbreaks throughout the year in the Southern Hemisphere. This year’s breed names include both Thailand and Phuket.
‘Influenza’, a disease caused by infection with the Influenza Virus, an acute respiratory infection. which should not be overlooked as not dangerous This is because strains of the influenza virus are constantly changing. To strengthen immunity and protection Should be vaccinated annually.
by in Thailand Outbreaks can be found all year. But it is found more during the rainy season and winter. In 2023, there were 3 times more cases than in 2022, with the most recent number being 138,766 cases. The rate of illness has increased as high as more than 200 cases per 100,000 population.
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Influenza strains to watch out for
Dr. Orawalee Ditsayakamon, resident physician in infectious disease medicine. Thainakarin Hospital explains that influenza (Influenza) is a disease that spreads from person to person. Outbreaks occur every year It is caused by the influenza virus that causes infection in the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, trachea, and lungs. The infection spreads into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Most outbreaks were found during the rainy and winter seasons.
Strains of influenza virus: There are 2 main groups, 4 strains:
Strain A is subdivided into 2 strains: H1N1, H3N2.
Species B is subdivided into 2 subspecies: Yamagata, Victoria.
The strains contained in the vaccine change every year.
The influenza virus mutates slightly over time, requiring revaccination every year for effective protection. If the influenza virus has mutated so much that it becomes a new strain. It will cause a large outbreak.
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Factors that make influenza more severe in 2023
for the influenza outbreak in Thailand Most are influenza strain A/H1N1, which has outbreaks in schools, military camps, and in high-risk groups such as the elderly. Groups with chronic diseases We must be careful because when infected with influenza, symptoms are often severe.
Various cold infections And then the symptoms are severe. Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said it depends on 3 factors:
The first factor is the recipient of the infection. A person with a strong body The chance of having severe symptoms is low. People in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with multiple chronic diseases. The chance of having symptoms is high. The second factor is the spread of germs. Currently the outbreak in Thailand has not changed much, namely the H1N1 virus which has been encountered since 2009. This year is the 14th year and it is well known that It’s an infection that doesn’t cause any serious damage. The third factor is that if you get vaccinated against it, you’ll get infected and have few symptoms. or no symptoms at all
Contact and spread of influenza
Influenza infection is similar to the common cold, in that it is spread by breathing in droplets from the nose, saliva, and phlegm of a person who is coughing or sneezing. and touching hands or using various appliances with the patient, such as towels, drinking glasses, telephones, toys, television remotes. When you use your hands to rub your eyes or pick your nose, germs can easily enter our body.
The influenza virus is easily transmitted from germs contained in droplets of mucus, mucus, or saliva within 1-2 meters. It is transmitted directly from a sick person’s sneezing or coughing. Get infected indirectly through ‘hands’ that touch public things such as doorknobs, telephones, and buttons in elevators.
The length of time the infection can be transmitted to others.
Patients may begin spreading the virus 1 day before symptoms appear. The infectious period is approximately 7 days, but may be longer. If the patient still has a lot of coughing Patients should take time off from work and school for at least 7-10 days or until the fever subsides. and cough to reduce the spread of germs
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms: Symptoms begin 1-3 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms without complications
Fever as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius, sore throat, clear mucus, cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, severe headache. Pain around the eyes, pain in the arms and legs, vomiting or diarrhea Normally, there will be a fever for about 2-4 days, then the fever will gradually decrease, but there will still be a stuffy nose and a burning throat, which will go away for about a week.
Severe symptoms and complications
Inflammation of the pericardium occurs. The patient will have chest pain. or sometimes have a heart attack Symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis may occur. This will cause the patient to experience severe headaches. and has symptoms of depression Some people may have abnormal respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Patients will experience fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, tightness in the chest and may cause death.
How to treat the flu
If there are still few symptoms, such as not being overheated and still have enough to eat Take medication to treat symptoms such as fever reducer, paracetamol, phlegm thinner, etc. and periodically wipe your body to reduce fever with warm water or normal temperature water. Patients with severe symptoms must be rushed to the hospital immediately. Especially the elderly, children, and people with chronic diseases. The doctor will consider giving you antiviral medication (oral) which should be given within 48 hours after the onset of illness, which will have better treatment results than if you received the medicine after 48 hours. Do not take asporin. Because it can cause severe hepatitis (Reye Syndrome), which can be dangerous.
Prevent influenza infection
Get vaccinated against influenza every year. It’s the best way to prevent the flu. Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of the flu. Avoid going out in public during the outbreak. Patients and caregivers must wear masks at all times. (Especially when coughing/sneezing) Make it a habit to wash your hands or clean your hands with alcohol gel. Especially after coughing or sneezing. or touching items used in public places and after removing the hygienic mask every time Throw away tissues used to wipe away snot, saliva, or used masks in a trash can with a closed lid. Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands or picking your nose with your fingers. Because it is a channel that allows germs to easily enter the body. Do not share personal items with others, including drinking glasses, drinking straws, cutlery, hand towels, or handkerchiefs. Use a medium spoon when eating with others.
Who? This is a high-risk group that should get the influenza vaccine.
Pregnant women with a pregnancy of 4 months or more, children aged 6 months to 2 years, people with underlying diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, asthma, kidney failure, and stroke. Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and diabetes, elderly people aged 65 years and over, and mentally handicapped people who are unable to help themselves. Thalassemia disease and people with impaired immune systems Includes people infected with HIV (HIV) who have symptoms of obesity or who weigh more than 90 kilograms or have a body mass index of more than 30 kilograms per square meter. tourist to travel to foreign countries where there may be outbreaks
Who shouldn’t get vaccinated or should postpone getting the flu shot?
Children younger than 6 months, who have received the influenza vaccine and have had a severe allergic reaction, if they have a fever or acute illness or the underlying disease is relapsing and cannot be controlled Vaccination should be postponed. In the case of a mild cold and no fever, you can get vaccinated.
Possible side effects after vaccination
Local symptoms at the injection site such as pain, swelling, and redness occur within 24-48 hours after injection. But the symptoms will disappear within 2-7 days. Some people will have a low-grade fever after the injection. feel uncomfortable Muscle aches and headaches may begin within 6-12 hours and may last for 1-2 days without treatment.
What to do after influenza vaccination
Do not massage and knead the injection site if you have a fever. feel uncomfortable Muscle and joint pain, headaches can be taken with painkillers to relieve symptoms. If there are severe abnormal symptoms or if you are suspicious of further action. It is recommended to see a doctor.
Both types of influenza A and B viruses change all the time, which is why there are outbreaks every year. Annual influenza vaccination It is another way to prevent influenza. Reduce the severity of disease Reduce the chance of staying in the hospital.
refer: Department of Disease Control, Thainakarin Hospital , Nakhonthon Hospital ,Bangkok Hospital
2023-10-09 05:19:00
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