Flu season, indispensable flu A (H1N1) and B detection

The latest data released by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb, 18th showed that the number of confirmed and suspected cases of flu A (H1N1) in the United States reached 5123, including 5 deaths. The latest data released by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on 18th showed that the number of confirmed and suspected cases of flu A (H1N1) in the United States reached 5123, including 5 deaths. Richard Bessel, head of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the World Health Assembly on the 18th that flu A (H1N1) is still spreading widely in the United States. The United States believes that, like other seasonal flu viruses, flu A (H1N1) virus will also spread widely in the world, and the international community needs to remain vigilant against it.

According to the data released by the National Flu Center of China, the infection rate of flu virus has continued to rise in recent years, with flu A (H1N1) pdm09 as the main factor, and flu A (H3N2) subtype flu virus is also prevalent. If we refer to the epidemic trend of COVID-19, the peak of infection may last for more than one month.

What is H1N1 and how does this virus spread? What's the difference between flu A (H1N1) and cold and COVID-19? How to diagnose?

What is flu H1N1?

Flu A (H1N1) is an acute respiratory infectious disease. People are generally infected with flu A virus easily, which generally presents flu-like symptoms. A few cases are serious and infect rapidly. Viral pneumonia may occur, leading to respiratory failure, multiple organ function damage, and even death.

How did the virus spread?

The spread of flu virus is very similar to that of COVID-19. If the patient's saliva touches some surfaces, the second person touches the virus on these surfaces, and then the second person touches his mouth, eyes or other mucous membranes, thus being infected by flu virus. This is called contact transmission.

So even if there is no direct contact with the patient, it is also possible to infect the flu virus through contact with the surface.

Of course, flu is mainly transmitted by respiratory droplets in close range, so wearing a mask is also effective for preventing flu virus. In addition, flu virus may also be transmitted in the form of aerosol in crowded, closed or poorly ventilated rooms, so ventilation and effective personal protective measures should be taken.

What’s the difference between flu A(H1N1), COVID-19 and common respiratory tract infection?

Flu is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by flu virus, which is divided into four types: A, B, C and D. Generally speaking, flu is mainly caused by flu A virus and flu B virus. The incubation period of flu A is usually 1-3 days. Mild flu is similar to common cold, but its fever and systemic symptoms are more obvious. There are also some mild respiratory symptoms, such as cough, runny nose and sore throat, which are similar to the upper respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Severe cases may have extrapulmonary manifestations such as viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, diffuse intravascular coagulation, and many complications, even death.

How to quickly detect whether it is flu A (H1N1)?

Antigen detection is an important clinical diagnostic method for flu. Antigen detection can quickly, timely and accurately display the detection results.

Flu, ordinary respiratory infection and COVID-19 are difficult to distinguish through symptoms. When flu symptoms are not typical, it is recommended to use Galenus Medical's fast detection kit for flu A (H1N1) and B, which can quickly and accurately display the detection results, help people identify and effectively prevent and control influenza infection risks.