流感进入快速上升期！别等“中招” 这样预防还来得及→

Group 1: Flu Situation in China - The positive rate of flu cases in emergency departments across China is approaching 45%, indicating that the flu has reached a moderate epidemic level, with some provinces experiencing high epidemic levels [1] - The peak of flu activity is generally expected between late December and early January, after which a decline is anticipated [1] Group 2: Understanding Influenza - Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, which is categorized into four types: A, B, C, and D. The predominant strain currently in China is the H3N2 subtype of type A [3] - The typical symptoms of influenza include sudden high fever (often reaching 39°C to 40°C), chills, severe headaches, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue, distinguishing it from the common cold, which primarily affects the nose and throat [9] Group 3: Transmission and Prevention - Influenza spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces [5] - Recommended preventive measures include frequent handwashing, wearing masks, maintaining good ventilation, and avoiding crowded places during peak flu season [15] Group 4: Vaccination Insights - Vaccination against influenza is crucial, and it is not too late to get vaccinated even during the flu season, as antibodies take 2 to 4 weeks to develop [17] - The World Health Organization estimates that seasonal influenza can lead to 3 million to 5 million severe cases and 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory disease-related deaths annually, highlighting the importance of vaccination in reducing severe illness and mortality [19] - The effectiveness of the flu vaccine typically lasts for 6 to 9 months, necessitating annual vaccination to ensure optimal protection against circulating strains [20][21]