December 7th will usher in the heavy snow season. How to effectively prevent and control influenza when multiple regions experience cold waves and cooling weather? How can chronic disease patients safely survive the winter? On the 5th, the National Health Commission held a press conference with the theme of "Seasonal solar terms and health" to address hot concerns. ——Influenza is prevalent, and vaccination is crucial. Wang Dayan, a researcher at the Institute of Virology of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that according to the latest monitoring situation, it is highly likely that the national influenza activity will peak in the first half of December. The influenza A H3N2 subtype still dominates the epidemic, accounting for over 95%, with a small number of influenza A H1N1 and B viruses circulating simultaneously. Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus, and the population is generally susceptible to influenza virus. ”Wang Dayan suggests that the public should go to medical and health institutions with immunization clinics as soon as possible to get vaccinated against influenza, especially for key populations and high-risk groups. For patients who have already been infected with influenza, experts suggest that those with mild symptoms can rest at home. If there is high fever, ineffective use of antipyretic drugs, or severe symptoms such as severe cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, or severe headaches, frequent vomiting, and confusion, timely medical attention is needed. Elderly people, infants, chronic disease patients, and pregnant women are more likely to develop severe or critical illness after being infected with influenza. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible and receive medication treatment according to medical advice. Fan Maorong, chief physician of Xiyuan Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, stated that from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, only people with wind heat invading the lungs or those with heat toxins are effective in using heat clearing and detoxifying drugs, such as those with sore throat, cough, yellow phlegm, dry stool, red tongue and yellow coating during fever. Patients with weak spleen and stomach and prone to diarrhea should pay attention to protecting their spleen and stomach. ——Skin care emphasizes moisturizing and repairing. Some people are prone to problems such as dry and itchy skin during winter. Li Hang, chief physician of Peking University First Hospital, said that dry and itchy skin in winter is caused by the dry climate, which damages the skin barrier. Blindly increasing the frequency of bathing and excessive cleaning at this time can only solve temporary itching, which may lead to more serious skin problems in the future. Li Hang suggests taking a bath with warm water and avoiding using soap with strong alkalinity; After taking a shower, gently pat the skin with a towel to absorb moisture, and apply moisturizer as soon as possible to form a moisturizing film that locks in moisture. At the same time, the frequency of bathing can be appropriately reduced, and the bathing time should not be too long. Experts suggest that heels are prone to dryness and cracking in winter. It is recommended to first go to the hospital to check for fungal infections. If so, antifungal drugs should be used for treatment; If it is caused by a dry environment, it is recommended to apply moisturizer and stratum corneum exfoliating agent. In winter, especially in dry areas in the north, eczema is also prone to occur, and daily moisturizing work should be done well. ”Li Hang said that the treatment of eczema requires both regulating the immune system and repairing the skin barrier. ——Scientific understanding and standardized treatment of rheumatic and immune diseases. How can rheumatic and immune disease patients scientifically cope with the worsening symptoms of arthritis in winter? Li Mengtao, chief physician of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, stated that rheumatic and immune diseases are a type of chronic disease caused by abnormal and disordered immune function, which mistakenly attacks one's own tissues and cells. At present, it is difficult to completely cure such diseases, but the vast majority of patients can effectively control the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and reduce organ damage through standardized and systematic diagnosis and treatment. Li Mengtao said that hormones can quickly control inflammation and protect organs from damage in the treatment of rheumatic and immune diseases, especially during acute attacks and rapid progression. They are an important means of treating rheumatic diseases, and the key lies in their scientific and rational use. Under the guidance of doctors, they should follow the principles of "individualization, moderate dosage, appropriate treatment course, and gradual reduction and cessation", and be supplemented with calcium supplements and regularly monitored bone density to minimize related risks. Experts suggest that attention should be paid to preventing infections, as certain respiratory or intestinal infections may trigger an imbalance in the body's immune system, leading to an exacerbation of the autoimmune response. (New Society)