The Impact of Multiple Flu Strains and How to Prevent and Treat the Flu

Understanding the Various Strains of Flu and Their Impact on the Population

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, encompasses several types, each with its own distinctive strains. The most prevalent strains within Influenza A are H1N1 and H3N2, whereas Influenza B is divided into Victoria and Yamagata strains. These strains catalyze flu outbreaks, with this year experiencing a surge in cases due to the presence of all four strains. Notably, Influenza A is more widespread than Influenza B.

The Prevalence of Flu Strains in Our Country

Within our country, a particular strain of flu has proliferated extensively. Bangkok, for instance, is largely affected by the H3N2 strain, while H1N1 prevails in other provinces. Currently, the circulating strain of Influenza B is Victoria, indicating the likelihood of a simultaneous outbreak of all three types this year. Consequently, contracting one type of flu enhances the risk of acquiring another strain. Although the vaccines available exhibit an efficacy of approximately 40-60% in preventing infection—similar to COVID-19 vaccines—there remains a possibility of contracting the flu even after vaccination. However, vaccines undeniably play a crucial role in mitigating the severity of the disease.

Flu is a disease that affects people of all ages. However, it primarily affects students and working-age individuals who contract the virus at school or work. Consequently, they unwittingly transmit the infection to young children and the elderly at home.

Respiratory in nature, flu exhibits a range of symptoms. While healthy individuals generally recover on their own, vulnerable populations with compromised immunity or underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe symptoms. In extreme cases, flu can lead to fatality. Young children, particularly those under the age of 2, are particularly susceptible to serious complications compared to older children, regardless of any pre-existing conditions they may have.

Preventing the Flu: Key Measures to Take

In terms of prevention, measures for flu mirror those for COVID-19. Given the respiratory nature of the disease, it is imperative for both patients and individuals displaying symptoms to wear face masks in order to minimize transmission through respiratory droplets. The general population should also wear masks for added protection when venturing into public spaces or participating in activities that involve large gatherings. Hand hygiene, including regular handwashing and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers, plays a vital role in curtailing the spread of the virus, as it is primarily transmitted through touch and subsequent contact with the face and eyes.

Flu Treatment: Addressing Symptoms and Vulnerable Populations

In healthy individuals, the flu typically resolves itself over time, necessitating only symptomatic treatment. However, antiviral medication proves crucial for vulnerable groups and those with weakened immune systems. Oseltamivir, a widely used antiviral drug, inhibits virus multiplication and reduces symptoms when administered promptly after the onset of symptoms. Consequently, focusing antiviral treatment on vulnerable populations, young children, and individuals experiencing severe symptoms is essential.

For those who have not yet received vaccination, it is strongly recommended to obtain the flu vaccine, ensuring one receives shots for each major strain.

There are many types of flu. Influenza A strain is divided into 2 strains: H1N1, H3N2 and B strain is subdivided into 2 strains: Victoria, Yamagata, causing the flu outbreaks that will occur to have 4 strains, which have many cases this year. Influenza A is more common than influenza B.

A type of flu that has spread a lot in our country. In Bangkok itself, H3N2 is the main cause. In other provinces, H1N1 is quite a lot. As for the flu B strain currently circulating, it is the Victoria strain, so this year it is likely to be an outbreak of all 3 types at the same time. So when we have one of the types of flu it can be another species. And the vaccines we use now have to accept that The effectiveness of the vaccine in terms of preventing infection is around 40-60. just a percentage Similar to the COVID vaccine Even after the injection, there is still a chance of getting it. But vaccines will help us a lot to reduce the severity of the disease.

Age group affected by the flu We will find that it can happen at any age. But the most common ones are among students. with working age groups When these two groups of people become infected, they will come into contact with them at school or work. and then bring the infection home to young children or the elderly

The severity of the disease is known as a respiratory disease. Generally, healthy people get better on their own. But the most important thing in vulnerable people or those with low immunity The body is weak. Having a congenital disease or vulnerable groups If you get the flu, the symptoms can be severe. And if it is very serious, it can cause death. And another group of people who can have serious symptoms are “young children”, especially children under the age of 2. This group of children, regardless of what disease they have, depends on If so, the severity of the disease will more than in older children.

How to prevent the flu

Prevent flu It’s like COVID-19. Because this disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract through droplets, so it is necessary for every patient or person who is sick. It should be absolutely necessary to wear a face mask. To reduce the spread of the disease For normal people, they will wear a hygienic mask if they go to the community. or live in large groups, such as when riding public transport Or go to a place where there are many people, you should wear a face mask. To prevent the spread of infection This virus is transmitted when we touch our hands. Then it hits my face and eyes. So hand washing is one way to reduce the spread of germs. Or if it’s not convenient, you can use alcohol too.

How to treat the flu

Flu can usually go away on its own in healthy people. Treatment may be symptomatic. But the flu itself also exists.antiviral medication It will be given to people with low immunity. or vulnerable groups In this group, it is extremely necessary to give antiviral drugs. The antiviral drugs that we use at the moment Oseltamivir (Oseltamivir) Drugs in this group will reduce the multiplication of the virus. It will reduce symptoms if given as soon as possible from the first symptom. Therefore, we conclude that treatment using antiretroviral drugs will focus on vulnerable groups, young children and groups that are already becoming violent.

However, it is recommended that people who have not yet been vaccinated get the flu vaccine. Go get 1 shot of each major vaccine.

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