As the weather turns colder, many people have been troubled by the flu recently. The "National Outpost Monitoring of Acute Respiratory Infectious Diseases (Week 45, 2025)" released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that China has entered a high incidence season for respiratory infectious diseases, and the overall trend of the epidemic is on the rise. Influenza activity has entered a rapid upward phase and will continue for a certain period of time. Experts said that influenza is different from the common cold. It is highly contagious and dangerous to specific people. We should pay special attention to it in winter and spring and prevent it in advance. Once the disease occurs, seek medical attention early and receive targeted treatment. Influenza and common cold: These differences need to be distinguished. Gao Fang, director of the Preventive Health Department at Shanxi Norman Bethune Hospital, said that unlike the common cold, influenza can cause high fever and body pain above 39 degrees Celsius, and is highly contagious, with the same infectivity during the incubation period. For the elderly with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and other basic diseases, severe influenza may also lead to more serious diseases. Prevention key: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. Getting vaccinated against influenza every year is the most effective and economical way to prevent influenza. ”Gao Fang said that because influenza virus strains mutate every year. Experts remind that special groups should undergo specialized assessments before receiving influenza vaccines. For example, patients who have undergone heart stent implantation within three months and those with a history of vaccine allergies are not recommended to receive vaccination. For patients in the acute phase of chronic diseases, or those who are already in the fever and disease infection phase, vaccination is also not recommended. Some elderly people also have more diseases and need to be cautious about vaccination. The flu vaccine is mature and safe. But the possibility of adverse reactions cannot be ruled out. ”Gao Fang reminds that it is necessary to stay at the vaccination site for 30 minutes after vaccination. Daily protection: These habits include frequent hand washing, good ventilation, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places, which are also important measures to prevent influenza. Strong immunity, naturally less susceptible to infection, and even after infection, the symptoms are relatively mild. This requires us to have a reasonable diet while maintaining a reasonable amount of exercise. In terms of sleep, it is necessary to avoid staying up late, and adults should ensure an average of 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day. In addition, long-term mental stress can weaken the immune system, so it is important to maintain a positive mindset. ”Gao Fang said. Medical advice: Do not delay expert advice when experiencing these symptoms. If you experience high fever or body pain, seek medical attention promptly. During the influenza epidemic, other viruses such as rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus can also spread. If judged by oneself, there is a high possibility of misjudgment. Even if antiviral drugs are taken, they may not be symptomatic and the treatment effect is limited. ”Gao Fang reminds that in the face of influenza, patients should change their habit of taking medication on their own and receive targeted treatment based on the hospital's diagnosis of the infected pathogen. Some people have the habit of taking Banlangen granules to prevent and treat colds. Experts suggest that Banlangen granules have a better effect on dry mouth and itching in the early stages of the common cold; But the specificity for influenza is not strong, and there is no need for daily consumption. (New Society)