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How similar are the symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza to seasonal flu, and how can they be distinguished?
The symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza include fever, cough, muscle pain, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose, which are very similar to those of H3N2 seasonal flu.
However, clinical observations have found that 20% of adult patients with novel influenza also experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, while the proportion in children is as high as 50%.
Dr. Lin Zouyan, chairman of the Infectious Disease Society, stated that children over 5 years old infected with novel influenza typically exhibit fever, cough, fatigue, and muscle pain, making it easier to identify. For children under 5, novel influenza often does not present with fatigue or muscle pain. Therefore, if parents notice their child has a high fever, respiratory symptoms, and other close contacts show similar symptoms, "it should be considered novel influenza," and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Dr. Huang Limin, director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at National Taiwan University Hospital, noted that asymptomatic carriers may have very mild symptoms, such as a scratchy throat or slight runny nose, with low viral loads. However, because others may let their guard down, transmission becomes easier. Additionally, 15% of patients do not develop a fever but do exhibit coughing.
Runny nose more common with novel influenza
Many people believe a runny nose is not a symptom of novel influenza.
But Dr. Huang Limin pointed out that recent research shows novel influenza patients are more likely to have a runny nose compared to seasonal flu, and those without a runny nose are less likely to have novel influenza.
Referencing clinical data, Dr. Guo Xusong, director of the Centers for Disease Control under the Department of Health, said 30% of novel influenza patients show no obvious symptoms. Dr. Huang Limin, a professor of pediatrics at National Taiwan University College of Medicine, added that if 15% of patients without high fever are included, approximately 45% of patients cannot be screened through temperature checks alone.
If flu-like symptoms are accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain, it is highly likely to be novel influenza.
Additionally, young children or elderly individuals over 60, due to weaker immune systems, tend to experience more severe symptoms with seasonal flu.
Young people, with stronger immunity and prior exposure to seasonal flu viruses, may only feel mildly unwell if infected, without obvious symptoms. However, novel influenza is different. Because it is a new virus, even young people have no immunity. If they exhibit obvious flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle pain, or fatigue, 80% to 90% of cases are likely novel influenza. If symptoms appear, seek medical treatment promptly.
Dr. Jiang Shizhong, a pediatrician, noted that since July and August, his clinic has seen many flu-like cases, with rapid tests confirming 50% to 70% as type A influenza. In recent weeks, novel influenza cases have been most common among children aged 6 to 8, indicating a clear shift toward younger age groups.
NTU doctor: Most middle school patients have novel influenza
Dr. Huang Limin also mentioned that in recent outpatient visits, elementary and middle school students make up the majority of novel influenza cases, accounting for 60% to 70% of flu-like patients. Nowadays, if a middle school student comes in, even without a rapid test, it can often be confirmed as novel influenza.
The priority order for vaccination has been announced, with disaster victims, healthcare workers, and pregnant women topping the list. However, young adults aged 20 to 49, who are prone to severe cases, are placed near the bottom, prompting this high-risk group to take extra precautions.Doctors Urge Parents to Wash Hands, Face, and Change Clothes Before Holding Infants
Huang Li-min, director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, stated that infants who cannot go out on their own contracting the illness indicates the virus is not only spreading in the community but has also entered households. Children under six remain the highest-risk group for severe illness and death. Soap and hand wash cannot completely kill the virus, while hand sanitizer is more effective. Before holding a child, adults should not only wash their hands but also clean their face and neck. For schoolchildren, Huang recommends wearing masks when boarding school buses and using hand sanitizer after getting off.
Consider Seeking Care at Large Hospitals for Children Under Six or Severe Cases
Lin Zou-yan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan and superintendent of Linkou Chang Gung Children's Hospital, noted that the virus is now widespread in the community, making treatment more challenging. He urged mild cases to visit clinics, while those with severe symptoms or high-risk children under six should consider seeking care at larger hospitals.
Lin explained that most infected individuals experience mild symptoms and recover on their own. Generally, children under six with mild symptoms only have a fever for about a day and a half and remain active and alert. However, if a high fever of 39°C persists for more than three days, or if the child shows signs of lethargy, confusion, excessive sleepiness, or difficulty waking, they should be taken to a large hospital.
For infected adults, symptoms such as rapid breathing, confusion, low blood pressure, shock, coughing up blood, or darkened phlegm warrant immediate attention at a large hospital.
Many dual-income families rely on grandparents for childcare, but Huang Li-min advises that if a child falls ill and needs to rest at home, parents should try to take time off work.
Source: http://www. dryahoo. org. tw/
Do I Have H1N1 Flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza include fever, cough, muscle pain, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose, which are very similar to those of H3N2 seasonal flu.
However, clinical observations have found that 20% of adult patients with novel influenza also experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, while the proportion in children is as high as 50%.
Dr. Lin Zouyan, chairman of the Infectious Disease Society, stated that children over 5 years old infected with novel influenza typically exhibit fever, cough, fatigue, and muscle pain, making it easier to identify. For children under 5, novel influenza often does not present with fatigue or muscle pain. Therefore, if parents notice their child has a high fever, respiratory symptoms, and other close contacts show similar symptoms, "it should be considered novel influenza," and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Dr. Huang Limin, director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at National Taiwan University Hospital, noted that asymptomatic carriers may have very mild symptoms, such as a scratchy throat or slight runny nose, with low viral loads. However, because others may let their guard down, transmission becomes easier. Additionally, 15% of patients do not develop a fever but do exhibit coughing.
Runny nose more common with novel influenza
Many people believe a runny nose is not a symptom of novel influenza.
But Dr. Huang Limin pointed out that recent research shows novel influenza patients are more likely to have a runny nose compared to seasonal flu, and those without a runny nose are less likely to have novel influenza.
Referencing clinical data, Dr. Guo Xusong, director of the Centers for Disease Control under the Department of Health, said 30% of novel influenza patients show no obvious symptoms. Dr. Huang Limin, a professor of pediatrics at National Taiwan University College of Medicine, added that if 15% of patients without high fever are included, approximately 45% of patients cannot be screened through temperature checks alone.
If flu-like symptoms are accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain, it is highly likely to be novel influenza.
Additionally, young children or elderly individuals over 60, due to weaker immune systems, tend to experience more severe symptoms with seasonal flu.
Young people, with stronger immunity and prior exposure to seasonal flu viruses, may only feel mildly unwell if infected, without obvious symptoms. However, novel influenza is different. Because it is a new virus, even young people have no immunity. If they exhibit obvious flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle pain, or fatigue, 80% to 90% of cases are likely novel influenza. If symptoms appear, seek medical treatment promptly.
Dr. Jiang Shizhong, a pediatrician, noted that since July and August, his clinic has seen many flu-like cases, with rapid tests confirming 50% to 70% as type A influenza. In recent weeks, novel influenza cases have been most common among children aged 6 to 8, indicating a clear shift toward younger age groups.
NTU doctor: Most middle school patients have novel influenza
Dr. Huang Limin also mentioned that in recent outpatient visits, elementary and middle school students make up the majority of novel influenza cases, accounting for 60% to 70% of flu-like patients. Nowadays, if a middle school student comes in, even without a rapid test, it can often be confirmed as novel influenza.
The priority order for vaccination has been announced, with disaster victims, healthcare workers, and pregnant women topping the list. However, young adults aged 20 to 49, who are prone to severe cases, are placed near the bottom, prompting this high-risk group to take extra precautions.Doctors Urge Parents to Wash Hands, Face, and Change Clothes Before Holding Infants
Huang Li-min, director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, stated that infants who cannot go out on their own contracting the illness indicates the virus is not only spreading in the community but has also entered households. Children under six remain the highest-risk group for severe illness and death. Soap and hand wash cannot completely kill the virus, while hand sanitizer is more effective. Before holding a child, adults should not only wash their hands but also clean their face and neck. For schoolchildren, Huang recommends wearing masks when boarding school buses and using hand sanitizer after getting off.
Consider Seeking Care at Large Hospitals for Children Under Six or Severe Cases
Lin Zou-yan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan and superintendent of Linkou Chang Gung Children's Hospital, noted that the virus is now widespread in the community, making treatment more challenging. He urged mild cases to visit clinics, while those with severe symptoms or high-risk children under six should consider seeking care at larger hospitals.
Lin explained that most infected individuals experience mild symptoms and recover on their own. Generally, children under six with mild symptoms only have a fever for about a day and a half and remain active and alert. However, if a high fever of 39°C persists for more than three days, or if the child shows signs of lethargy, confusion, excessive sleepiness, or difficulty waking, they should be taken to a large hospital.
For infected adults, symptoms such as rapid breathing, confusion, low blood pressure, shock, coughing up blood, or darkened phlegm warrant immediate attention at a large hospital.
Many dual-income families rely on grandparents for childcare, but Huang Li-min advises that if a child falls ill and needs to rest at home, parents should try to take time off work.
Source: http://www. dryahoo. org. tw/