With the advent of winter and the increase in respiratory diseases, seasonal influenza returns as one of the most common viruses, raising many questions about its nature, symptoms, and prevention methods.
In this context, Dr. Hussein Al-Hawari, a specialist in public health and internal medicine, provides in a statement to , the most important information related to the influenza virus and how to deal with it.
Al-Hawari confirms that “the influenza virus is a seasonal virus that recurs every year, and its spread usually begins from October to March, especially with the decrease in temperatures, noting that the virus has several types, most notably types A and B, and type A is the most common.”
He adds: “Several strains fall under the influenza A virus, but the most famous globally are H1N1 and H3N2. Last season, the spread of H1N1 was the widest, but this year H3N2 is the most prevalent.”
Regarding symptoms, he explains that “the incubation period usually extends from two to three days, during which the infected person is able to transmit the infection. After that, the symptoms begin to appear, most notably:
-A fever that may reach 39 or 40 degrees Celsius
-Cough
-Sore throat and runny nose
-Muscle and joint pain
-A general feeling of tiredness and fatigue
-In some cases, especially in children, the flu may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.”
He points out that “coughing and fever are among the main signs that distinguish influenza infection, and the disease may have a clear impact on the health of the infected person, especially among the elderly, children, and people with chronic diseases.”
In the context of talking about prevention, he stresses that “the influenza vaccine remains the most important measure, recommending that it be taken during the months of September and October, before the peak of the season, and in addition to the vaccine, he stresses the need to adhere to general prevention measures, most notably:
-Avoid mixing with people who have a fever or respiratory symptoms or are suspected of having influenza.
-Wearing a mask, especially during periods of heavy mixing, events, and holidays.
-Adherence to cough and sneeze etiquette.”
He draws attention to the fact that “closing schools and universities during this period contributes to reducing the spread of infection, explaining that this disease is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets resulting from sneezing or coughing, and is transmitted through the air from one person to another.”
He warns that “when an infection is suspected, a rapid influenza test available in pharmacies can be performed. If the test shows that the infection is influenza A, it is recommended to take the drug Flumivir, one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening for five days, in addition to antipyretic drugs such as Panadol or Advil or their equivalents, and cough medications when needed, and vitamin C. He also stresses the importance of drinking plenty of fluids, especially hot drinks.”
Al-Hawari also emphasizes “the need to wear a mask inside and outside the house in the event of infection, to avoid transmitting the infection to family members or others, as prevention remains an essential step alongside treatment.”
He adds that “the drug Flumivir is safe and internationally approved, and patients can use it without any significant problems. It is used for five days according to the recommended dose, and it has proven effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and accelerating recovery significantly.”
Al-Hawari concludes his speech by explaining that “influenza symptoms usually last between seven and ten days, and during this period the patient is advised to isolate himself, stay away from work or study, and adhere to appropriate treatment and rest, in order to preserve his health and prevent the transmission of infection to others, as he indicates that the period of infection usually begins two to three days before the onset of symptoms, and continues during the first five days of the onset of symptoms, which is the period during which the patient is able to transmit the virus to others.”
