Influenza A increases: Are influenza A complications dangerous?

In recent weeks, the number of influenza A cases has shown signs of increasing. Influenza A is a respiratory disease that can be easily transmitted and cause dangerous complications if not managed properly.

The winter-spring transition period from October to March next year is the time when respiratory diseases break out, including influenza A. So is influenza A dangerous? How to effectively manage influenza A symptoms and prevent disease complications?

Is influenza A dangerous?

The answer is POSSIBLY DANGEROUS . By:

1. Influenza A can cause serious complications

Normally, influenza A will last from 7 to 10 days, and influenza A symptoms will gradually decrease and disappear completely. However, there are cases where influenza A lasts longer with severe symptoms and requires seeing a doctor as soon as possible.

Possible complications of influenza A include:

Pneumonia

One of the serious complications of Influenza A is pneumonia. Viruses can infect the lungs, leading to inflammation and increased risk of secondary bacterial infections. Pneumonia can cause severe difficulty breathing because the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) can fill with fluid or pus and can be life-threatening, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly. , young children, and people with underlying health conditions.

Influenza A can lead to pneumonia, which is common in children. (Photo: Internet).

Bronchitis

Influenza A can also lead to bronchitis, which is inflammation of the bronchial tubes. When the influenza A virus invades and multiplies in the lining cells of the bronchi, it causes inflammation and swelling, causing the airways to narrow and produce more mucus. This complication can cause persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest discomfort.

Bronchitis can be especially worrisome for individuals with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Sinusitis

In some cases, influenza A can lead to sinusitis. Viruses can cause inflammation and blockage of the sinuses, leading to symptoms such as severe facial pain (especially when bending over), fever, headaches, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, and discharge that facilitates fluid flow. Pus accumulates and becomes infected. Sinusitis can be very uncomfortable and may require medical intervention to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.

Otitis media

Influenza A may also increase the risk of developing otitis media. The virus can cause inflammation in the middle ear, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, fluid buildup, and temporary hearing loss. Otitis media is more commonly observed in children but can also occur in individuals of any age.

Acute respiratory failure

In severe cases, influenza A can lead to acute respiratory failure. This complication occurs when the virus causes significant damage to the respiratory system, reducing its ability to supply oxygen to the body. Acute respiratory failure requires immediate medical attention and may require interventions such as supplemental oxygen therapy.

In severe cases, influenza A can lead to acute respiratory failure (Photo: Internet)

Cardiovascular complications

Influenza A can pose a risk to heart health, especially for people with existing heart disease. Viruses can lead to increased inflammation, stress on the heart and the development of complications such as myocarditis or worsening of existing heart conditions. It is extremely important for individuals with cardiovascular problems to be extra cautious during flu season.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases

Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications if they contract influenza A. The virus can weaken the immune system and worsen existing chronic medical conditions, leading to more severe illness and longer recovery times.

Encephalitis or meningitis

Although rare, influenza A can cause encephalitis or inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These complications can lead to serious neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and even coma. Timely medical intervention is important in effectively managing these complications.

Sepsis (Systemic infection)

Influenza A can also increase the risk of developing systemic sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body overreacts to an infection and releases large amounts of chemicals into the blood, causing sets off a series of chain reactions that can cause inflammation throughout the body, disrupt organ function, and cause tissue damage.

Systemic infections can lead to multiple organ failure and can even lead to death if not treated promptly and properly, requiring immediate medical attention and specialized care.

2. Influenza A is a contagious disease

Influenza A is a respiratory disease so it is very contagious. Influenza A spreads through the following ways:

- Respiratory droplets: When infected people cough or sneeze, they release droplets containing influenza A virus into the air. Other people can breathe in these droplets and get sick.

- Contact with surfaces containing viruses: Influenza A virus can survive on surfaces such as door handles, phones, and desks for up to 48 hours. If a person touches these surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, the virus can enter their body.

Influenza A virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours (Photo: Internet)

1. Direct contact: Direct contact with sick people can also increase the risk of spreading influenza A, such as through shaking hands or hugging, sharing toothbrushes, towels,.; especially when the patient has the habit of covering their mouth with their hand when coughing or sneezing
2. Infection from animals to humans: Influenza A can also be transmitted from animals, especially poultry and pigs, to humans. People who work directly with animals or have close contact with them are at higher risk.

3. Everyone is at risk of influenza A

First, anyone is at risk of getting influenza A, but some people are more susceptible to influenza A than others. People susceptible to influenza A often include:

1. Children: Children's immune systems are not yet fully developed, so they are more susceptible to illness. Young children, especially those under 5 years old, are at high risk for serious complications from influenza A
2. Elderly: People over 65 are often at higher risk because their immune systems decline with age, along with high rates of other chronic diseases.
3. Pregnant women: Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza and may experience serious (including life-threatening) complications, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
4. People with weak immune systems: These include people undergoing cancer treatment, receiving organ transplants, or suffering from immunodeficiency diseases such as HIV/AIDS
5. People with chronic medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease increase the risk and may aggravate the flu.
6. Medical staff: These people have close contact with patients and are susceptible to influenza A infection during patient care.
7. People who work in the livestock industry or have close contact with animals: Especially people who come into contact with poultry (avian flu) and pigs (swine flu) can be infected with animal-borne strains of influenza A virus. to people.

This group of people is also at higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza A, including more severe symptoms and longer recovery times.

Everyone is at risk of getting influenza A. (Photo: Internet).

In general, while many cases of influenza A can resolve on their own with adequate rest, use of symptom-relieving medications, or use of antiviral medications (when appropriate) to reduce the duration of the illness and prevent Influenza A infection can also cause serious complications. Although most people recover fully from influenza A, some complications can lead to long-term health problems, especially in vulnerable groups. These problems can include respiratory problems, cardiovascular damage, and neurological complications.

Therefore, when you or a family member has influenza A, you need to closely monitor symptoms to recognize unusual changes, especially in children under 5 years old, elderly people over 65 years old, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. immunocompromised or have an underlying medical condition, etc. This further emphasizes the importance of getting an annual flu vaccination and following other preventive measures to protect yourself against the potential risks of the disease. influenza A.