Influenza A: what it is, symptoms, risks and how to prevent it

The host Silvio Santos 93, is hospitalized with Influenza A. The information was confirmed by SBT in a statement released on the program “Chega Mais”, this Thursday (18). In a note, the broadcaster says that the presenter is being medicated and is fine.

“SBT confirms that our beloved Silvio Santos has influenza A. He is being treated in a hospital. The family thanks everyone for their affection and we are rooting for him. He is hospitalized, but he is fine,” the statement said.

A influenza A is a type of influenza virus found in several species of animals, in addition to humans. It can be classified into two subtypes — H1N1 It is H3N2 — and tend to circulate seasonally, being more common in the colder seasons of the year, such as autumn and winter. According to the Ministry of Health, influenza A is the virus responsible for major flu pandemics, such as the one that occurred in 2009 with H1N1 (at the time, known as “swine flu”).

The main form of transmission of influenza A is through secretions from the respiratory tract of an infected person when they sneeze, cough or talk. It can also occur indirectly, after contact with contaminated surfaces or by touching the mouth, nose or eyes with a hand with the virus on it.

Symptoms of influenza A

The symptoms of influenza A are typical of the flu and include, according to the Ministry of Health:

  • Fever;
  • Sore throat;
  • Cough;
  • Body ache;
  • Headache.

Other symptoms may appear suddenly, such as chills, malaise, muscle pain, joint pain, prostration and excessive nasal discharge. In some cases, diarrhea, vomiting, hoarseness and red eyes may appear, although these are less common symptoms.

Elderly people have a higher risk of complications

Some people are at higher risk of complications from the flu, including influenza A, such as the elderly and children under 2 years of age, as well as individuals with chronic diseases. The main risks, according to the Ministry of Health, are:

  • Bacterial pneumonia;
  • Sinusitis;
  • Otitis;
  • Dehydration;
  • Worsening of chronic diseases.

According to the ministry, pneumonia is the main cause of hospital admissions due to influenza in Brazil.

How is the treatment done?

According to the Ministry of Health, influenza can be treated with the antiviral drug Oseltamivir Phosphate, indicated for cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and cases of Influenza-Like Syndrome (IS) with conditions or risk factors for complications. Treatment with the drug should be started within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.

In addition, rest and intense hydration are important recommendations for full recovery from influenza A. To alleviate symptoms such as fever and pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, may be indicated, according to the MSD Manual. Paracetamol is also an alternative for treatment.

Prevention

The main way to prevent influenza A is flu’s vacine . Immunization prevents serious cases and deaths and must be administered annually, due to the constant mutation of influenza viruses. Therefore, every year, the Ministry of Health carries out the National Vaccination Campaign against influenza.

This year, the flu vaccine administered by the SUS (Unified Health System) during the vaccination campaign was the trivalent vaccine. It protects against three different strains of the virus, which are currently responsible for most cases: Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B.

In the private sector, it is possible to find the quadrivalent version of the vaccine, that is, it protects against four strains: in addition to the three mentioned above, it also protects against Influenza B. Find out everything about the flu vaccine here.

In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures are important, such as washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol gel; using disposable tissues for nasal hygiene; covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing; not sharing personal objects; keeping environments well ventilated; avoiding crowded places; wearing masks; adopting healthy eating and exercise habits.

Learn how to differentiate the symptoms of flu and Covid-19

Source: CNN Brasil

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