14 March 2019 Once known as swine flu virus, this term is no longer used as the virus is not related to any swine viruses and contact with or ingestion of pork does not pose any risk. Its severity and capacity for transmission are similar to that of normal flu, although it affects younger people. The virus is transmitted by coughing, sputum or sneezing , either directly (inhalation) or indirectly (contact with contaminated surfaces). What are the signs of Influenza A? In most cases, it has the same symptoms as the common cold (fever, aching body, cough, sputum and runny nose) or gastroenteritis (fever, diarrhoea and vomiting). At-risk groups are susceptible to certain complications , most of which are respiratory, such as: Pneumonia or worsening of chronic respiratory diseases - chronic bronchitis or pulmonary emphysema; Cardiac decompensation - worsening of existing heart failure; Metabolic decompensation -dehydration, worsening of existing diabetes. What groups are at risk of influenza A? At-risk groups are made up of the following individuals: Children under 2 years; Pregnant women; in particular those in the second and third trimesters; New mothers up to 2 weeks after giving birth; People with chronic respiratory diseases - asthmatics receiving chronic cortisone treatment, carriers of chronic bronchitis and emphysema; People with cardiovascular disease - heart failure; People with metabolic diseases -diabetes and marked obesity; People with renal disease - renal failure; Patients with immune system disorders -HIV infection, among others; Patients receiving treatments that somehow reduce their ability to defend themselves - anti-tumours, corticoids, among others. These patients have a higher risk of complications and higher mortality. They therefore need to take additional precautions in the form of preventative measures (when coming into contact with confirmed cases) and treatment (when they become ill with symptoms of flu caused by this virus). What is the incubation period for the influenza A virus and how long does the contagious phase last? This period varies from 3 to 10 days , with an average of 7 days, during which the levels of contagiousness are practically nil. The disease lasts for about 7 days, but after 2 days without fever the contagiousness is already reduced. What should you do if you have symptoms of influenza A? Stay at home; Take medicines for fever if necessary; Increase fluid intake; If you need, call LUZ 24 - 217 104 424, available 24 hours/day, 365 daus/year. How can transmission of Influenza A be prevented? People with influenza A should not: Share the same room; Kiss or hug. People with influenza A should : Keep their distance from others (1 m); Wear a mask; Cough or sneeze into disposable handkerchiefs, or cough or sneeze into their arm - not their hand. Washing hands with soap and water is the most important measure. Alternatively, alcohol solutions or hand wipes soaked in disinfectant solution may be used. Clothes and dishes must be washed in hot soapy water. Areas of shared use should be cleaned with disinfectant cleaning agents after each use. Rooms must be aired and all surfaces (bedside tables, switches, bed frames and walls up to shoulder height) must be cleaned at the end of the illness. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
