Winter is a high incidence season for respiratory diseases. Based on the current situation of outpatient respiratory disease treatment in this city, the main pathogen is influenza virus, and the main type of influenza virus is H1N1. How to treat influenza? How should key populations such as the elderly and infants be protected? Li Dong, Chief Physician of the Infectious Disease Department at Beijing You'an Hospital, provided detailed answers to the concerns of the general public. Li Dong once suggested that key groups such as the elderly should receive influenza vaccines as early as possible to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Once diagnosed with influenza, antiviral treatment should be initiated as soon as possible, and exposure to influenza can also be prevented with medication. Taking antiviral drugs within 48 hours, Li Dong once introduced that the main symptoms of influenza include respiratory symptoms and systemic symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, as well as headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, etc. For most people with normal immune function, influenza can heal on its own, and the course of the disease lasts about 5-7 days. How to use medication for treatment? Li Dong once stated that the commonly used antiviral drug for combating influenza is oseltamivir. It needs to be used within 48 hours, the earlier the use, the better the effect. Exposure to influenza can also be prevented with oseltamivir once a day for 7 consecutive days. The incubation period of influenza does not exceed 7 days. If there are no symptoms within 7 days, infection can be ruled out. If vulnerable populations such as the elderly are exposed to influenza, oseltamivir can also be actively used for post exposure prophylaxis, taken once a day for 7 consecutive days. Once flu like symptoms appear, therapeutic doses can be taken twice a day. In addition to antiviral therapy, symptomatic medications such as antipyretic and analgesic drugs can also be kept at home. Getting the flu can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle soreness, which can affect rest and physical recovery. You can use antipyretic and analgesic drugs according to your weight and symptoms. It should be noted that some compound cold medicines contain antipyretic and analgesic ingredients, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and do not reuse them, "Li Dong once reminded. Vulnerable populations should actively receive influenza vaccines. For high-risk populations such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, those with underlying diseases, weakened immunity, obesity, etc., these groups are more likely to develop severe and critical illness after contracting influenza. The high incidence season of influenza may bring certain pressure to medical institutions. We call on the general public to actively receive influenza vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations who need to be vaccinated every year, in order to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness, as well as reduce the need for hospitalization. Regarding the elderly, Li Dong once reminded them that they are a high-risk group for severe illness, with longer disease course, more obvious symptoms, higher incidence of pneumonia, and higher hospitalization rate after contracting influenza. Elderly people with underlying diseases may experience fluctuations in their underlying conditions after contracting influenza, especially those with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which can cause symptoms such as unstable blood pressure. Research has confirmed that active vaccination or early antiviral treatment in the elderly can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. Li Dong once suggested that unless there are special circumstances, elderly people should actively receive flu vaccines before the flu season every year. Once suspected or diagnosed with influenza, antiviral treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Li Dong has stated that doctors will be more proactive in treating influenza in high-risk populations. The elderly have flu symptoms, and while waiting for the nucleic acid test results at the hospital, doctors will also recommend that the elderly use antiviral drugs first. Because antiviral drugs can inhibit virus replication, they need to be used as early as possible. Once the virus replicates in large quantities, the effectiveness of medication will be much worse. It is best to use antiviral drugs within 48 hours. We hope that the elderly can understand the doctor's advice. When caring for patients, pay attention to observing changes in the patient's condition. Once a family member has the flu, in addition to early antiviral treatment, appropriate measures should also be taken. Li Dong once reminded that influenza is an infectious disease, and it is recommended to stay at home and not go to work or school while sick. It is best for infected individuals to choose a separate room with windows to live in and minimize contact with family members. If you want to arrange family members to take care of a patient, it is important to choose someone who is in good physical condition, preferably someone who has been vaccinated. Wear masks and maintain a safe distance as much as possible during the care process. Pay attention to opening windows for ventilation at home to reduce transmission within the household. Li Dong once emphasized that family members should pay attention to observing changes in the patient's condition, especially key groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Once a patient's high fever persists, or symptoms such as severe coughing, shortness of breath, and mental fatigue appear, and there is no improvement after 5 days of onset, it may lead to complications, secondary infections, etc. It is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner. (New Society)