Influenza A is one of the major types of influenza that comes every year, most often in the winter. This influenza can be caused by two variants of the virus Influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2, but both generate similar symptoms and are also treated equally.
The most common symptoms include:
- Fever above 38 ° C;
- Body pain;
- Sore throat and headaches;
- Cough;
- Sneezing;
- Chills;
- Fatigue or tiredness.
In addition to these symptoms and constant malaise, diarrhea and some vomiting may also occur, especially in children, who eventually pass over time. To see other symptoms caused by Swine Flu, see Swine Flu Symptoms.
How to Know if It's A Flu?
Although the symptoms of influenza A are very similar to that of the common cold, they tend to be more aggressive and intense, often requiring them to stay in bed and rest for a few days, and often their appearance has no warning, appearing almost suddenly.
In addition, influenza A is highly contagious, making it very easy to pass on to others with whom you have been in contact.
If there is suspicion of this flu, it is recommended that you wear a mask and go to the doctor, so that the tests that confirm the presence of the virus can be performed.
What is the difference between H1N1 and H3N2?
The main difference between influenza caused by H1N1 or H3N2 is the virus itself that causes the infection, however, the symptoms, treatment and form of transmission are similar. These two types of viruses are present in the influenza vaccine along with Influenza B, and therefore, whoever does the vaccination every year, is protected against the flu.
However, often the H3N2 virus is mistaken for H2N3, another type of virus that does not affect humans, and is transmitted only among animals. In fact, there is no vaccine or treatment against H2N3 virus, but only because this virus does not affect humans.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment for influenza A is made with antiviral medicines such as Oseltamivir or Zanamivir and usually the treatment is best if it is started within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
In addition, your doctor may also recommend medications to relieve symptoms such as acetaminophen or Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benegripe, Apracur or Bisolvon for example, which relieve symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or muscle aches.
To complement the treatment, in addition to the remedies it is also recommended to rest and maintain hydration by drinking a lot of water, not being recommended to go to work, go to school or attend places with many people while having the flu and the treatment can also without supplemented with medicines such as Ginger Syrup. Here's how to prepare here. In addition, to prevent influenza A and its possible complications, the vaccinated influenza is available, which helps protect the body against the major types of viruses that cause the flu.
Influenza A tends to develop in a very violent way if not treated properly, so it is very important that you see a doctor soon if you suspect that you have influenza A, otherwise it can cause more serious complications such as distress syndrome respiratory failure, pneumonia, respiratory failure or even death. See the complications of the flu.
When to take the flu vaccine
To avoid getting influenza A, the flu vaccine that protects the body against the most common influenza viruses, such as H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B is available . This vaccine is especially indicated for some contracting the flu, they are:
- Elderly people over 65;
- People who have compromised immune systems as having AIDS or myasthenia gravis for example;
- Carriers of chronic diseases, such as diabetics, liver, heart or asthma patients, for example;
- Children under 2 years of age;
- Women who are pregnant because they can not take medication.
Ideally, the vaccine should be done every year to ensure effective protection, as each year new influenza virus mutations appear.
How to avoid catching A
To avoid catching influenza A, there are some measures that may help prevent infection, and it is recommended that:
- Avoid enclosed or crowded places;
- Wash your hands regularly or use gel alcohol or disinfection lotions;
- Always cover your nose and mouth if you need to cough or sneeze;
- Avoid contact with the flu at all costs or with flu-like symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.
The main form of infection of influenza A is respiratory, where only need to breathe droplets containing the virus H1N1 or H3N2, to run the risk of getting this flu.
To get all your doubts, see 7 myths and truth about the Flu.
