Recently, the rampant spread of influenza has drawn extensive global attention. According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2023, the Influenza A (H1N1) virus has begun to circulate worldwide, posing a severe threat to public health.

• There are approximately 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including 3 to 5 million severe cases.
• Seasonal influenza results in 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths each year.
• Ninety-nine percent of deaths from influenza-associated lower respiratory tract infections among children under 5 years old occur in developing countries.
• Symptoms typically begin 1 to 4 days after infection and usually last for about a week.

Types of Influenza Viruses and Their Transmission Characteristics

Influenza A:
Subtypes include H1N1 (the pandemic strain in 2009, now known as A(H1N1)pdm09) and H3N2. It is the only type of influenza that can cause global pandemics.

Influenza B:
It is divided into the B/Yamagata and B/Victoria lineages, causing only localized seasonal outbreaks.

Symptoms and Complications

Incubation Period: Symptoms typically appear 1-4 days after infection and usually last for a week.

Typical Symptoms:

• Sudden high fever (>38°C), dry cough, headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, sore throat, and runny nose.
• Severe cases may develop pneumonia, sepsis, or worsening of chronic conditions.

High-Risk Populations:

• Pregnant women, children under 5 years old, individuals over 65 years old, patients with chronic conditions (such as heart/lung/kidney/metabolic diseases), and immunocompromised individuals.

Case Warning

During the Spring Festival in 2024, a public figure in China passed away unfortunately due to pneumonia and sepsis triggered by untreated H1N1 infection. This case serves as a reminder that severe influenza can progress rapidly, and high-risk populations need to be particularly vigilant.

Epidemiology and High-Risk Scenarios

Transmission Venues: High-risk areas include densely populated regions such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

Social Impacts:

• During peak periods, medical institutions are prone to becoming overloaded, leading to increased absenteeism and subsequently decreased productivity.
• Health workers face an elevated risk of infection and transmission due to their frequent contact with patients.

Currently, there is a gradual increasing trend of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in Asia, and even in both southern and northern China.

(Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Influenza Weekly Report)

Scientific Prevention and Control Measures

1.Personal Protection:

• Wash hands frequently and use alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and reduce close contact with patients.
• Self-isolate at home after showing symptoms and seek medical attention promptly.
• Keep indoor areas ventilated and regularly clean high-touch surfaces (such as door handles and mobile phones).

2.Technology Assistance:
Beyond traditional prevention methods, technological advancements have also injected new vitality into healthy living.
The hydrogen-oxygen ionizer by MicroZ Medical is an innovative product that leverages technology to safeguard health.

This product has been tested by authoritative institutions and proven to efficiently inactivate Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as influenza A viruses H1N1 and H3N2.

Certain illnesses may cause a decrease in blood oxygen saturation levels, and clinical data indicates that when blood oxygen levels drop below 90%, there may be a risk to life. Hydrogen-oxygen ionizers can rapidly increase blood oxygen concentration, effectively avoiding health hazards and discomfort caused by inadequate blood oxygen levels, thereby providing comprehensive and profound health and comfort protection for your life.

In the face of health threats such as influenza, we cannot treat them lightly. By adopting scientific preventive measures and leveraging technological advancements, we can inject new vitality into healthy living and reshape and lead a new trend of high-quality and healthy lifestyles. Let us work together to safeguard a healthy and promising future!