1. What is the flu?

Flu is short for influenza, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. Influenza A and B viruses are the main causes of human infection and seasonal epidemics. The antigenicity of influenza viruses is variable and spreads rapidly.

2.  How does the flu spread?

Influenza patients and latent infections are the main source of seasonal influenza infection. Influenza is transmitted mainly through droplet, but also through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the oral, nasal cavity and eyes. Clusters of epidemics are more likely to occur in crowded places.     

3. What are the symptoms of the flu?

Sudden onset, with symptoms such as high fever, body pain, fatigue, bronchial inflammation, but the respiratory symptoms are mild. When babies have the flu, they have a decreased or no appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. They have a poor mental state and no energy to play.

4. How to prevent the flu?  

(1) Influenza vaccination. It is the most effective way to prevent influenza and can significantly reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications.

(2) Frequent hand washing. It is one of the simplest and most important measures to prevent the spread of influenza. Wash your hands immediately after returning home, after touching public goods, after sneezing or blowing your nose, before and after touching your mouth, nose and eyes, before eating and after using the toilet.

(3) Wear a mask. Influenza patients are the most important source of infection. If someone in your home is infected with influenza, it is recommended to isolate as much as possible, especially to reduce contact with children and the elderly. When contact is necessary, you can wear a mask to reduce the risk of infection.

5. What should we do if we got the flu?  

(1) Go to the hospital promptly .Patients and their accompanying staff should wear masks to avoid cross infection.

(2) Avoid going outside. Try to avoid going to public places as much as possible and avoid close contact with people around you. Wear a mask if you really need to go out. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when sneezing or coughing to reduce the spread of disease.

(3) Keep self-isolation and protection. After flu symptoms appear, pay attention to self isolation, open windows for ventilation, cover your mouth and nose with tissues when coughing and sneezing, and wash your hands often with soapy water and hand sanitizer, and disinfect items contaminated by flu virus in time.