Beware Of Symptoms Of Influenza A, A Virus That Spreads In The Transition Season

JAKARTA - Entering the transition season, erratic weather changes make endurance easy to decrease. This condition is often used by viruses to develop, one of which is the type A influenza virus (H1N1) which is now back in various regions.

This disease is classified as an acute respiratory tract infection that can attack anyone, especially children, the elderly, and people with a weak immune system.

Reporting from the MedPark Hospital page, influenza A is a viral infection characterized by sudden high fever, cough, runny nose, and muscle and head pain. Type A influenza virus spreads through saliva or mucus splashes from coughing and sneezing sufferers, as well as through indirect contact through contaminated objects such as door handles or cell phones.

This virus can survive in the air and on the surface of objects for several hours, the risk of transmission is very high in public places such as schools, offices, and public transportation.

The incubation period for the virus lasts 1'3 days, and a person can transmit the virus even before symptoms appear. That's why influenza A cases often spread rapidly in society.

Symptoms Of Influenza A To Watch Out For

Influenza A has symptoms similar to the common cold, but it is generally heavier and comes suddenly. Here are some signs to watch out for:

General Symptoms

- Sudden high fever (can reach 3840$C)

- Excessive sweats and sweats

- Dry or phlegmic cough

- Sore throat

- Nose stuffy or runny nose

- Great headache

- Muscle and joint pain

- Lemas, lost appetite

- Nausea, vomiting, or light diarrhea

Severe Symptoms That Need To Be Handled Immediately

- High fever that hasn't dropped in more than a week

- Shortness of breath, fast breath, or chest pain

- Rapid heart rate and reduced blood pressure

- Seizure due to fever (especially in children)

- Signs of pneumonia such as heavy cough and short breath

If these symptoms appear, immediately check with a doctor to get the right treatment. Laboratory examinations such as a PCR test or nasal swab and throat can determine whether a person is infected with type A influenza.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza A could be dangerous for the following groups:

- Children under the age of 5, especially toddlers

- Elderly over 65 years

- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers

- Patients with obesity

- Patients with chronic diseases such as heart, lungs, kidney, diabetes, or cancer

- People with weak immune system, including HIV sufferers

In this group, influenza A can develop to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, to death if not treated immediately.

Prevention Steps In The Transition Season

Preventing is certainly better than cure. Some simple steps that can be done include:

- Annual influenza vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups.

- Use a mask when doing activities in public places.

- Wash your hands regularly with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

- Consumption of nutritious food and adequate rest so that the immune system is maintained.

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick with the flu.

The quadrivalent influenza vaccine is able to provide protection against four types of flu viruses, including influenza A H1N1 and H3N2.

If infected, sufferers should:

- Rest completely and drink lots of water

- Consumption of fever reduction drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen

- Avoid usingips, especially in children

- Not doing activities outside the home to prevent transmission

- Monitoring the condition of the body. If high fever does not go down, immediately go to the hospital