What is influenza A which is currently raging in France? Symptoms, contagion, treatments… 5 things to know about the disease

The flu continues to gain ground in France. In its latest acute respiratory infections bulletin of December 18, Public Health France (SPF) states that cases of flu are still increasing in cities and in hospitals. All regions are on epidemic alert except Corsica.

According to SPF, influenza viruses are essentially divided into two types: A and B. Each is divided into two subtypes: A/H3N2 or A/H1N1 and B/Victoria or B/Yamagata. Type A influenza viruses circulate in many animal species (ducks, chickens, pigs, horses, seals, etc.) while type B influenza viruses mainly circulate in humans. Viruses A and B cause seasonal epidemics in humans, but only type A viruses have been responsible for pandemics to date.

This influenza A, caused by the virus influenza type A, can cause serious complications, especially in fragile people. Influenza A is distinguished by its ability to mutate, creating new subtypes.

Symptoms and duration

Symptoms appear suddenly after 1 to 2 days of incubation: high fever, headache, dry cough, muscle pain, runny nose and sore throat. Bronchitis or conjunctivitis may also occur. Symptoms usually last a week, but persistent fatigue may follow. The fever often subsides on the third day, but may resume around the fourth.

Contagion

The influenza A virus is very contagious, transmitted mainly through droplets of saliva when coughing, sneezing or even speaking. The contagion period begins 1 to 2 days before symptoms appear and lasts approximately 6 to 10 days.

Treatments

Treatment is mainly based on rest and taking paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may be prescribed to those at risk if administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Antibiotics are only effective against secondary bacterial infections, such as bronchial secondary infections.

Complications

Complications of influenza A include bronchial superinfections, pneumonia and worsening of chronic diseases. Pregnant women, the elderly or obese, and those with respiratory or heart diseases are more vulnerable. In children, bacterial ear infections can occur.

Prevention

Prevention involves hygiene measures, such as washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask and avoiding close contact with sick people. Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza A, especially for populations at risk.