Influenza A superinfection and dangerous complications

What is influenza A superinfection?

Influenza A superinfection occurs when a person has influenza A and is then infected with other bacteria or viruses, making the condition more serious. In particular, influenza superinfection can lead to dangerous diseases such as pneumonia, sepsis or respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Influenza A superinfection often occurs when the body's immune system has been weakened by the influenza virus. This gives other bacteria and viruses the opportunity to attack and cause disease. In particular, people with weak immune systems such as the elderly, children, or people with underlying diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease are at higher risk of influenza superinfection.

You need to know how to distinguish the symptoms of influenza A and influenza A superinfection.

Common initial symptoms of the common flu are: high fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose. These symptoms can last from a few days to a week, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life.

According to Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan (Director of the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology), when influenza superinfection occurs, the symptoms of the disease will become more severe. The patient feels difficulty breathing, breathing becomes heavy and short. Along with that is a feeling of pain in the chest, especially when coughing or breathing deeply. At this time, each time the patient coughs, green or yellow phlegm will appear, a sign that bacteria have entered the body and caused an infection. Especially the appearance of continuous and prolonged fever. Fever of 39-40°C, not reduced even after taking fever-reducing medicine. If there is a feeling of prolonged headache, it is a sign of severe infection. Influenza A superinfection makes the patient feel exhausted and unable to function normally.

Influenza A superinfection and dangerous complications Picture 1

Continuous, prolonged high fever is a manifestation of influenza A superinfection.

Why is there a situation of influenza A superinfection?

According to Professor Phan Trong Lan, with influenza, the virus multiplies rapidly in the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. Therefore, this is the golden time for early intervention, helping to reduce the risk of complications, making the disease milder and limiting infection to people around.

Influenza A bacteria infection: When the body is attacked by influenza virus, the immune system will weaken and create conditions for bacteria that cause pneumonia and bacteria that cause respiratory infections to attack. These bacteria can invade the lungs, respiratory tract or other organs in the body, causing more serious diseases.

One of the important factors leading to influenza A superinfection is immunodeficiency. When the body is unable to fight bacteria and viruses, pathogens can easily enter the body and cause infection. This is a danger to people with weak or underdeveloped immune systems such as the elderly over 65 years old, children - especially children under 5 years old and people with underlying diseases such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Influenza can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact or through the air. When a sick person lives or works in an environment with pollution, exhaust fumes, dust. the risk of getting sick also increases.

In particular, smokers have weaker respiratory systems, are more vulnerable and susceptible to respiratory diseases, including influenza.

How to treat influenza A superinfection?

To avoid serious complications of influenza A infection, each patient needs to take medication properly, maintain a reasonable diet and rest.

For the common flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to reduce the severity of the illness. These medications are most effective when used within the first 48 hours of symptoms. If the flu is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection, such as amoxicillin or azithromycin, said Dr. Dong Phu Khiem, deputy director of the Intensive Care Center at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

In case of influenza A infection with high fever of 38.5°C or more, paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to reduce fever and relieve body pain. However, drug abuse should be avoided and only used when prescribed by a doctor.

A reasonable and scientific diet plays an important role in supporting the treatment of influenza A infection. First of all, it is necessary to supplement vitamin C for patients because this is an important nutrient that helps strengthen the immune system. Fruits rich in vitamin C are oranges, tangerines, red bell peppers and dark green leafy vegetables. Patients can also take vitamin C supplements and should follow the doctor's instructions.

Drinking enough water will help thin phlegm and reduce nasal congestion. People with influenza A infection should maintain drinking warm water all day. It can be warm filtered water, herbal tea or broth. The daily menu should also focus on easily digestible dishes such as porridge, soup, steamed and boiled dishes. to avoid further 'tiring' the weak digestive system.

One of the important factors that helps patients with influenza A to recover quickly is to get enough rest and relax, for example listening to music, reading books, taking a light walk. It is necessary to know how to reduce the workload compared to normal days, especially not to fall into a state of stress because this is the factor that strongly weakens your immune system. Patients can also steam with essential oils or herbs to help clear the respiratory tract, reduce nasal congestion and relieve the feeling of difficulty breathing.

Influenza A is a serious disease that can cause many dangerous complications. Early recognition of symptoms and timely treatment will help minimize risks and protect your health, helping you get through the 'flu season' that is causing concern for all of us.

Micah Soto

Update 12 February 2025