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Here comes FLU Peak Season!

Flu season is officially here, and it's making its presence felt across China, from north to south.

In the 51st week of 2024 (December 16–22), the Chinese CDC found that the usual suspects – flu virus, rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus – are running the show in the south. Up north, the flu virus still takes the lead, with human metapneumovirus and adenovirus rounding out the top three.

As of December 29, flu cases are on the rise nationwide, and A(H1N1) is the reigning champion. The positivity rate for flu jumped by 6.2 percent in the 52nd week (December 23–29), with the north seeing the sharpest spike – though still not as intense as last year's wave.

Meanwhile, in Shanghai, flu activity is also ticking upward. But don't panic just yet – the local CDC says it's still within the bounds of a typical flu season. So, keep those tissues handy and maybe rethink shaking hands for a while.

What is the flu?

The flu – short for influenza – likes to target your respiratory system: nose, throat, lungs, the whole works. It's caused by one of four types of viruses: A, B, C, and D. The troublemakers are A and B, the ones behind the seasonal epidemics we know and loathe. Influenza A, in particular, is the overachiever of the bunch, being the only type capable of causing full-blown pandemics.

How does it spread? Think of it as an unwanted party guest. Someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks too close, and the virus tags along in the tiny droplets they expel. You either breathe it in or transfer it from your hands to your face. Moral of the story: cover your mouth, wash your hands, and maybe take a rain check on karaoke night.

What are the common symptoms of the flu?

The symptoms of the flu are typically more severe and spread faster than those of the common cold, with an incubation period of just 1 to 4 days.

Flu patients often experience a high fever, with body temperatures reaching 39-40°C, along with chills and shivering. Other common symptoms include cough, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In children, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

How the flu is diagnosed?

Hospitals typically conduct influenza nucleic acid or antigen tests, depending on the patient's condition.

The flu can develop into severe conditions you need to watch out for:

Pneumonia is the most common complication of the flu, particularly in children under 2 years old. Other complications can include otitis media (middle ear infection), myocardial damage (heart muscle injury), and rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue that can damage the kidneys).

Risk factors for severe flu are linked to age, the progression of the disease, and pre-existing health conditions.

Pneumonia Warning Signs:

• Changes in mental state (e.g., lethargy, confusion)
  
• Persistent high fever (lasting more than three days without improvement, or a recurrence after initially subsiding)
  
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain
  
• Worsening cough (from dry to productive, with purulent or bloody sputum – thick or blood-streaked mucus)
  

Myocarditis Warning Signs:

• Irregular heartbeats
  
• Severe fatigue
  
• Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or pain
  
• Dizziness or fainting
  

So... that Didi drive was coughing pretty hard without a mask, I think I got the flu...

The flu typically lasts 3 to 7 days, hitting hard but resolving naturally for most people. However, a lingering cough and fatigue are common. During recovery, it's crucial to rest, stay hydrated, maintain healthy habits, and eat a balanced diet while easing back into normal activities. Any warning signs should prompt immediate medical attention.

Preventing the spread of the flu is equally important during recovery. Continue practicing preventive measures to protect others.

In most cases, the flu is a self-limiting illness, resolving on its own within 5 to 10 days if no serious complications arise.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms like fever and cough while closely monitoring for changes. Seek medical attention immediately if a persistent high fever occurs alongside severe cough, difficulty breathing, mental confusion, severe vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of serious illness.

What kind of medication is used for flu?

Starting antiviral medication within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms can shorten the illness and reduce the risk of complications. For children, timely medication within this window is especially important, but treatment is still advisable even after 48 hours if symptoms are severe or hospitalization is required.

Common Antiviral Medications:

• Tamiflu: Oral medication taken twice daily for five days.
  
• Xofluza: A one-dose oral medication.
  
• Peramivir: Administered intravenously for severe cases.
  

Treatment Guidelines for Children:

• Children under 5 years old: Tamiflu is the first-line treatment, taken twice daily for five days.
  
• Children over 5 years old: Either Tamiflu or Xofluza is recommended, with Xofluza offering the convenience of a single dose.
  
• Influenza B in children over 5 years old: Xofluza is often preferred.
  
• Early treatment is key to managing the flu and minimizing its impact.
  

How can we prevent the infection of the flu or severe complications from the flu?

• Monitor your health closely and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear. Follow medical advice for timely treatment.
  
• Maintain good personal hygiene and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
  
• Get a flu vaccination to reduce the risk of infection.
  
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
  

If one of my children gets the flu, should I be concerned about siblings or adults also getting it?

Yes, the flu is highly contagious and can easily spread to siblings or adults in the household through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking.

To reduce the risk of infection:

- Isolate the sick child from other family members as much as possible.

- Ensure the sick child and others in the household wear masks, especially in shared spaces.

- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

- Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and shared items.

Taking these precautions can help protect the rest of the family from getting sick.

Having had flu, does it mean I have antibodies and won't be infected again for a while?

Recovering from the flu helps your body produce antibodies against that specific strain, offering short-term protection.

However, because the influenza virus mutates frequently, previous infection doesn't guarantee immunity against new strains. That's why it's still important to get vaccinated annually to stay protected.

What is the best time for flu shots and is it too late to get a flu shot now?

The ideal time to get a flu vaccine is before the end of October. However, it's still effective to get vaccinated now, as this year's flu season is peaking later than usual. Flu activity typically occurs between late November and February, so getting the shot now can still offer valuable protection.

Vaccine Effectiveness Timeline:

• Protection begins 2 to 4 weeks after receiving an inactivated vaccine and 3 to 7 days after an attenuated vaccine.
  
• Immunity gradually declines after 6 to 8 months.
  
• Since flu strains vary each year, an annual flu vaccination is essential for staying protected.
  

Why I am still suffer fever and cough after getting flu shots?

Getting vaccinated does NOT guarantee complete immunity from the flu, but it definitely reduces the risk of infection, severe symptoms, complications, and even death.

It's important to note that:

The flu incubation period is 1 to 4 days, and it takes time for the vaccine to generate protective antibodies. If you're exposed to the virus before vaccination takes effect, you could still catch the flu.

Flu-like symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and cough can also be caused by other illnesses like the common cold, pneumonia, or adenovirus, which the flu vaccine doesn't prevent.

If only a few individuals in a household, workplace, or school are vaccinated, it's hard to establish herd immunity. This allows the flu virus to continue circulating, potentially reducing the effectiveness of individual vaccinations.

Widespread vaccination is key to both personal protection and reducing the overall impact of flu in the community.

Health Byte Tips:

Lungs and Fibrosis: A Deadly Transformation

The lungs function like sponges, expanding and contracting to enable breathing. In fibrosis (scarring and thickening of lung tissue), the lungs become stiff and lose their elasticity, making it increasingly difficult to inhale and exhale. Over time, the tissue hardens, leading to persistent cough, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, death.

A Breakthrough in IPF Treatment

Doctors from Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital have achieved a medical breakthrough in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (a type of lung disease with an unknown cause characterized by scarring of the lung tissue). Published in a leading journal under the title "Epithelial stem cells from human small bronchi offer a potential for therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis," the study is the first to use airway epithelial stem cells (specialized cells capable of regenerating damaged lung tissue) derived from patients' own tissues for cell transplantation. The results showed significant improvements in lung function and mobility, offering a potential solution for this hard-to-treat disease.

Understanding IPF and Its Severity

IPF is a form of interstitial lung disease (a group of disorders causing inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue). This irreversible condition (meaning it cannot be cured or reversed) severely impacts lung function and quality of life. In advanced cases, it can be life-threatening, with a five-year survival rate of less than 30%. For acute cases (rapidly worsening forms), the average survival time is just 2.2 months – shorter than that of many cancers.

Hope for the Future

"This research confirms the therapeutic potential of a patient's own lung basal stem cells (a type of cell found in the lower respiratory tract) and provides new evidence for lung regeneration medicine," said Dr. Ren Tao, the lead expert on the study. "Our next step is to apply this technology to other lung diseases, bringing hope to more patients."

Coming Up Next on Health Byte

Winter is also the peak season for digestive disease and there are so many banquets and gatherings in the upcoming Spring Festival. Eating is the most popular event for most of the people. Stay tuned for our CNY digestive tips!

About the Author

Cai Wenjun is a seasoned health reporter with Shanghai Daily. With extensive experience covering the local medical system, hospitals, health officials and leading medical experts, Cai has reported on major pandemics including SARS, swine flu and COVID-19, as well as developments in the local health industry.