According to the Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. It is highly contagious, primarily spreading through airborne droplets, and affects people of all ages.The World Health Organization released the "Global Strategy on Influenza 2019-2030" this year, emphasizing that "annual influenza vaccination" is the most effective method for preventing influenza.
Antibodies develop within one week after vaccination, reaching peak levels after two weeks, and generally provide protection for one year. The optimal time for vaccination is between September and November each year.Five high-risk groups should prioritize vaccination: Chronic disease patients Compared to healthy adults of the same age, individuals with chronic underlying conditions are more likely to develop severe illness or death after influenza infection, with higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations and excess mortality.
Elderly Individuals
Globally, influenza ranks among the leading causes of hospitalization and excess mortality in those aged 65 and older. For frail seniors, influenza poses a particularly severe threat as an infectious disease. It can trigger complications, exacerbate existing conditions like pulmonary heart disease or coronary heart disease, and even lead to death. Therefore, preventing and controlling influenza is crucial.
Pregnant Women
Influenza poses significant health risks to pregnant women. Due to immune and physiological changes during pregnancy, infection with the influenza virus increases susceptibility to complications affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and other organs. Compared to healthy, non-pregnant women of childbearing age, pregnant women face a 3.3 times higher risk of severe illness, with this risk further increasing during the second and third trimesters.
Children
World Health Organization (WHO) data indicates that 20%–30% of children worldwide contract seasonal influenza annually. During high-prevalence seasons, the annual infection rate among children can reach up to 50%, with the highest incidence observed in the 5–9 age group. Severe illness and fatalities most frequently occur in children under 2 years old.Influenza infection in children can be fatal. Children with underlying medical conditions face a significantly higher risk of death than healthy children, though nearly half of all fatalities occur in otherwise healthy children.
Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers frequently encounter influenza patients during routine clinical activities, placing them at higher risk of influenza infection than the general population. Furthermore, healthcare worker infections increase the risk of nosocomial transmission, exposing other staff, patients, and their families to infection.
Flu Prevention Tips
1. Prioritize Personal Exercise
Engage in regular physical activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, playing sports, practicing Tai Chi, or performing Chinese meridian exercises. These help strengthen your body and enhance its ability to resist viral attacks.
2. Prioritize Adequate Rest
Rest and sleep directly influence immunity levels. Moderation in all activities is essential. Ensure sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, and rest promptly when feeling fatigued. Maintaining energy reserves is crucial for fending off pathogens.Diets heavy in animal products, low in plant-based foods, excessively high in calories, and rich in fats are detrimental to health. They can impair digestive function and reduce the body's ability to fight viruses, allowing influenza viruses to take advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to plan meals wisely, balancing nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins that help strengthen the body. Additionally, increase intake of foods rich in vitamin C, as it aids in boosting immunity.Meal times should be regular, avoiding overeating. Additionally, ensure adequate hydration, as dehydration increases susceptibility to viral infections. 4. Stay Warm and Protected from the Cold During periods of frequent temperature fluctuations, the body struggles to adapt to sudden changes, leading to weakened resistance and increased vulnerability to influenza viruses. Therefore, adjust clothing appropriately according to temperature changes.Early spring brings chilly mornings and evenings, requiring extra precautions: add layers during these times, use thicker blankets at night, and maintain indoor temperatures between 18°C–22°C (64°F–72°F) for sleep.
5.Practice good personal hygiene
Influenza viruses can easily spread through hand contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the mouth or nose. Therefore, frequent handwashing and maintaining hand hygiene are crucial. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with your hands whenever possible. Additionally, wear a mask when going out. While masks cannot completely block viruses, they remain one of the best ways to reduce infection risk at present, at least minimizing the inhalation of airborne viruses.
6. Ensure Air Circulation
Influenza viruses spread through the air, particularly in enclosed spaces. Regularly open windows for ventilation to maintain airflow indoors, thereby reducing viral concentration and minimizing exposure opportunities. Choose open-air or well-ventilated locations for daily activities, avoid lingering in closed environments, and limit visits to crowded public places.
7. Get the Flu Vaccine
Building herd immunity among high-risk groups is a key strategy for preventing H1N1. Experts recommend annual vaccination for the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, those with chronic illnesses, healthcare workers, and children aged 6 months to 3 years. It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop antibodies that protect against influenza infection.