Doctors warn of the golden 48 hours after catching the flu

According to Dr. Tran Van Phuc, the first 48 hours after contracting the flu is an important period that determines the effectiveness of treatment. If delayed, the disease can progress severely, causing dangerous complications, especially in the elderly and children.

According to Dr. Tran Van Phuc, the first 48 hours after contracting the flu is an important period that determines the effectiveness of treatment. If delayed, the disease can progress severely, causing dangerous complications, especially in the elderly and children.

The news that Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu had passed away after contracting the flu on February 2 shocked fans around the world. She had previously suffered from a high fever that had not been treated in time, leading to serious complications.

To prevent complications from influenza, Dr. Tran Van Phuc (Xanh Pon Hospital, Hanoi) gave some warnings about this disease. According to the doctor, influenza is not just a simple seasonal disease but can be dangerous, even fatal if not treated properly. The doctor listed three high-risk groups that need to be treated with antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms to reduce serious complications. These groups include:

- People at high risk of complications: children under 15 years old, people over 65 years old, people with chronic underlying diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immunodeficiency. These cases need to take antiviral drugs even when symptoms are mild.

- People in contact with high-risk groups: Even if not in a risk group, if living with children, the elderly, pregnant women or people with underlying diseases, patients should seek early treatment to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus.

- In case of severe or prolonged flu: If flu symptoms do not improve after 48 hours or there are signs of worsening such as high fever that does not go down, difficulty breathing, chest pain, the patient needs to see a doctor and follow the doctor's treatment regimen.

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Doctor Tran Van Phuc emphasized that 48 hours after the onset of flu is considered the "golden 48 hours". Photo: NVCC

Dr. Phuc said that the flu virus can spread through three main routes. First, the most common is through droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes, causing the virus to spread into the air and enter the respiratory system of others. In addition, the virus can stick to surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc. If you touch these objects and then put your hands on your eyes, nose, or mouth, a healthy person is at risk of infection. Another route of infection is in enclosed spaces where air circulation is poor, such as offices, classrooms, and public transportation. Here, the virus can survive in the air for hours, increasing the risk of rapid spread.

The influenza virus has an incubation period of 1-4 days, and is especially dangerous when infected people can infect others from the first day, before symptoms appear. Therefore, prevention and timely treatment in the early stages are important in controlling the epidemic.

For mild cases of influenza, patients can self-care at home to reduce symptoms and help the body recover more quickly. For uncomplicated influenza, fever and respiratory symptoms in adults usually last about 3 days and most will improve after that. Full recovery can take 10 to 14 days, symptoms of fatigue can last for several weeks in some patients.

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Taking a warm bath can help the body relax and support better recovery. Photo: Sina

The doctor also gave a suitable schedule for people with mild flu at home: In the morning, take a warm bath to help dilate blood vessels, reduce muscle pain, and drink ginger tea or orange juice to increase resistance. If the nose is stuffy, the patient can steam the face for 5-10 minutes with hot water or herbs. At noon, a little light exercise such as walking can improve mood and support the immune system. Meals should include green vegetables, chicken or fish, and drink warm water or oresol to replenish electrolytes. In the evening, the patient should eat warm dishes such as ginger porridge, chicken soup, and avoid cold foods or alcoholic beverages. Before going to bed, taking a warm bath can help the body relax, and getting enough sleep of 7-8 hours will support the recovery process better.

Doctor Phuc emphasized that if after 48 hours the symptoms do not improve or severe signs such as persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain appear, the patient needs to go to a medical facility for timely treatment to avoid the risk of dangerous complications.