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Expert advice: The flu virus is not scary, prevention can be done by focusing on the details.
Release time:
2013-05-30
Expert advice: The flu virus is not scary, prevention can be done by focusing on the details.
This afternoon, a guidance meeting on avian influenza knowledge and prevention was held at the Shanghai Jia Hui Huameida Conference Center, aimed at educating the public about avian influenza prevention and control. The human infection of avian influenza virus is a newly discovered subtype of influenza virus globally, and both medical experts and the general public have various questions about it. Dr. Zhang Li, Deputy Chief Physician of the Hematology Department at Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, was invited to host this meeting. Yesterday, based on clinical treatment experience and the latest situation updates, Dr. Zhang provided an in-depth yet easy-to-understand explanation of avian influenza-related knowledge at the meeting and answered several questions that the public was particularly concerned about.
Why is the subtype influenza virus so powerful?
Influenza viruses can be classified into different types based on their biological characteristics. Among them, avian influenza virus is a virus that has birds as its natural hosts, and the avian influenza virus this time is one of them. Due to species barriers, avian influenza viruses generally only infect humans in rare cases. Symptoms include respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, and even death. This avian influenza virus is a newly discovered subtype of influenza virus globally, and there was no prior experience in dealing with it, which is why multiple severe cases and even deaths were discovered in a short period.
Is there human-to-human transmission?
Currently, there is no evidence that this virus has the ability for human-to-human transmission. After humans are infected with the virus from birds, patients have not transmitted the virus to other people they came into contact with (such as medical staff treating them). It is now believed that the most likely transmission route is from migratory birds to poultry, and then from poultry to humans.
What are the symptoms of avian influenza?
The symptoms after avian influenza infection mainly include high fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain, etc., often accompanied by severe pneumonia, and in severe cases, multiple organ failures such as heart and kidney leading to death. Countries like the Netherlands and Italy have reported cases of human infection with H7 subtype influenza, with clinical manifestations mainly being conjunctivitis and mild upper respiratory infections.
What is the most effective way to prevent it?
In summary, there are two main points: 1. Pay attention to dietary hygiene, avoid contact with or consumption of sick or suspiciously sourced fresh, live, or frozen poultry and livestock and their products, ensure food is thoroughly cooked, and keep raw and cooked foods separate during preparation and consumption. 2. Maintain good personal hygiene habits, wash hands frequently, and avoid drinking raw water. As long as everyone pays attention to hygiene, strengthens exercise, enhances immunity, and avoids direct contact with sick or dead poultry and livestock, good preventive effects can be achieved.
Earlier, the National Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Hong Kong confirmed that Lijun antiviral granules can effectively prevent and treat avian influenza virus. Will it have the same preventive effect against this avian influenza?
There is a possibility, but without strict long-term in vitro tests, clinical trials, etc., it cannot be easily stated what preventive or therapeutic effects any drug has.
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