Influenza is more severe than the common cold. The common cold is one of the household illnesses we are all very familiar with, to the point that it almost feels harmless and not dangerous in people’s perception. This leads most people to underestimate the dangers of influenza, resulting in over 100,000 influenza patients annually in our country and deaths from influenza every year. There are as many as 390,773 cases reported annually from 77 provinces, with an incidence rate of 588.39 per 100,000 population and as many as 27 deaths, with a mortality rate of 0.04 per 100,000 population.
Therefore, to keep ourselves and our loved ones safer from influenza, it is quite beneficial to get to know influenza a bit—how many strains there are, how dangerous and severe each strain is, and how to protect ourselves to stay as far away as possible from this seemingly ordinary but actually extraordinary disease.
What is Influenza? Which Strain is the Most Dangerous?
Influenza, or the flu, medically referred to simply as “flu,” is a respiratory tract infection caused by the “influenza virus.” It causes infected individuals to have a high fever, headache, feverish body, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and body aches. Currently, the influenza virus considered the “most dangerous” and having the greatest impact on society consists of two strains:
Influenza Virus Strain A
Also called “Flu A”, this is the most dangerous influenza strain because it can mutate and spread widely, resulting in hybrid viruses with strong virulence. Influenza virus strain A usually spreads during the rainy and winter seasons and can be divided into two common subtypes: H1N1 and H3N2.
Influenza Virus Strain B
Also called “Flu B”, this strain is also dangerous and severe. Common types include B Victoria, B Yamagata, and B Phuket, which can spread during both the rainy and winter seasons as well.
How Dangerous is Influenza? How to Recognize Symptoms to Stay Ahead?
The symptoms of influenza are generally not much different from the common cold but are more severe. Signs indicating that the illness is not just a common cold but influenza include:
- Having a very high fever, starting from 38 degrees Celsius and above
- Headache, chills, fatigue
- Runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing
- Muscle aches throughout the body, arms, and legs
- Influenza symptoms usually last about 5 days; if symptoms persist longer, it may be due to secondary bacterial infection found in some cases
Besides the symptoms mentioned, influenza can be severe enough to cause life-threatening complications, the most common of which are “pneumonia” and “bronchitis”. Therefore, if you notice symptoms more severe than usual cold symptoms, do not take it lightly as just a common cold but should see a doctor promptly for timely treatment.
Who is at Risk of Contracting Both Influenza Strains?
The influenza virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking, and inhaling droplets containing the virus. Therefore, “everyone” is at risk of contracting the influenza virus. How easily one gets infected depends on two main factors: the severity and amount of the virus, combined with the condition of our body. If our body is weak, even a small amount of virus can cause infection and influenza. Especially, the following high-risk groups should be extra cautious as they have the highest chance of severe complications:
- Young children under 5 years old
- Elderly people aged 65 and above
- Pregnant women
- Patients with HIV, thalassemia, and those with immunodeficiency
- People with weak lungs or existing respiratory diseases
- People with poor health or chronic diseases who regularly take medication
- People with obesity weighing more than 100 kilograms
How to Take Care of Yourself to Stay Away from All Influenza Strains
Taking care and protecting yourself from influenza can be done in the same way as for all respiratory diseases, which includes:
- Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before eating
- Use a serving spoon when sharing food with others
- Get enough rest and eat nutritious food covering all five food groups
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of the virus
- Wear a mask when going to crowded places such as shopping malls, skytrains, and cinemas
- Exercise regularly, keep a cheerful and stress-free mind
- Get vaccinated against the 4-strain influenza vaccine, which is currently the most effective prevention method. It helps reduce the chance of illness, severity, complications, death, and also reduces medical expenses
Influenza may seem like a common illness that everyone is familiar with and not very scary, but in reality, it can be severe enough to cause death, especially in people with weak health and young children. Therefore, not underestimating the term “cold” as just a minor common illness is important for everyone. The best way is to get vaccinated to protect yourself, helping you stay healthy all year round, live happily without influenza disturbing you, and avoid losing physical and mental health, medical expenses, and work opportunities.
