The 48-hour window following the onset of flu symptoms is a critical period during which the virus is actively replicating. This period is the optimal time for antiviral treatment. Prompt use of antiviral drugs during this window can effectively inhibit virus spread, reduce symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, and lower the risk of complications and severe illness, potentially avoiding hospitalization. Therefore, timely detection and early intervention are key to controlling influenza.

Timely Detection: Differentiating Pathogens

Distinguishing Flu from a Cold:

Flu symptoms are usually more acute, including high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and profound fatigue. The illness tends to last longer and can cause complications such as pneumonia. A cold, on the other hand, typically presents with milder symptoms like a runny nose, mild sore throat, and coughing, and tends to resolve more quickly. Influenza requires antiviral medication and can be prevented by vaccination, while a cold usually does not need specific treatment, with symptom relief being the primary approach.

Distinguishing COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):

COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are all common respiratory pathogens, with overlapping symptoms.

• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of smell or taste. Some individuals may experience severe respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Influenza Virus: Symptoms are similar to COVID-19, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, and extreme fatigue. Influenza can also cause severe complications such as pneumonia, especially in older adults and immunocompromised individuals.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms, posing a greater threat to infants, young children, and the elderly. Symptoms include coughing, flu-like symptoms, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and it can sometimes lead to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Timely detection and differentiation between these pathogens are crucial for selecting the correct treatment plan. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively alleviate symptoms, shorten the course of illness, and reduce the risk of complications.

Influenza Complications: Pneumonia and Other Risks

If influenza patients do not receive timely treatment or have weak immune systems, they may develop a series of complications. The most common complication is pneumonia, particularly viral pneumonia directly caused by the influenza virus or secondary bacterial pneumonia. Other complications include:

• Bacterial Pneumonia: Influenza virus weakens respiratory defenses, increasing the risk of bacterial infections, especially with pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. This type of pneumonia can lead to respiratory failure and even be life-threatening.
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Severe influenza infections may cause a sudden decline in lung function, leading to ARDS. This condition requires urgent respiratory support and carries a high mortality rate.
• Myocarditis: Influenza virus can affect the heart, causing myocarditis, which presents as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Myocarditis can lead to heart failure or other cardiovascular issues.
• Encephalitis or Neurological Damage: In rare cases, the influenza virus may invade the central nervous system, causing encephalitis or other neurological damage. Symptoms may include headache, coma, and seizures.
• Muscle and Joint Complications: Influenza can sometimes cause inflammation of muscles and joints, known as post-influenza myalgia. This can lead to severe muscle pain and impair the patient's ability to move.
• Dehydration: High fever and sweating associated with influenza can lead to severe dehydration, particularly in the elderly and infants, and dehydration must be carefully monitored.
• Exacerbation of Underlying Conditions: Influenza infection can worsen symptoms of underlying conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases, potentially leading to more severe complications.

Global Influenza Distribution and Regional Differences

Understanding influenza complications is important, but it is equally vital to monitor the distribution of influenza and the activity levels of viral subtypes in different regions. This knowledge helps adjust detection and treatment strategies effectively.

Influenza Situation in China:

Influenza viruses are currently the leading pathogens in acute respiratory infections, with the incidence of these infections declining. Influenza remains in its seasonal peak, with the positivity rate of flu viruses continuing to decrease in northern provinces, while remaining high in the south. The flu season coincides with a period of increased movement and gatherings due to the Spring Festival, raising the risk of disease transmission. Therefore, it is important to focus on and enhance control measures for respiratory infectious diseases.

The weekly trend of pathogen nucleic acid test positivity rate in respiratory samples from flu-like cases at sentinel hospital outpatient and emergency departments
Source: China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Global Influenza Situation:

• A(H1N1)pdm09 Subtype: Dominates in many areas with rising flu activity, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Melanesia.
• A(H3N2) Subtype: Shows higher activity in regions like North America, North Africa, and Central America.
• Influenza B Virus: Shows significant activity in tropical regions such as West Africa, East Africa, and South America.

However, the early symptoms of influenza overlap with COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory diseases, making it difficult to accurately diagnose based on symptoms alone. This can lead to delays in taking appropriate treatment measures.

Global influenza virus epidemics

Source: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/surveillance-and-monitoring/influenza-updates/current-influenza-update

Timely Detection: Early Diagnosis, Avoiding Treatment Delays

Traditional diagnostic methods such as viral culture can take hours or even days, while antigen tests often have low accuracy and may miss cases, leading to missed treatment opportunities. Molecular diagnostic technologies provide faster and more accurate diagnoses, helping doctors confirm the cause of illness and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early identification of flu symptoms and treatment within the "Golden 48 Hours" can significantly reduce the risk of complications. High-risk populations, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions, need to pay close attention to symptom changes.

Pluslife Efficient Detection Products:

Pluslife’s COVID-19, Influenza A/B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) four-in-one and three-in-one detection products use high-performance molecular diagnostics to achieve low-cost, highly efficient multi-pathogen detection. With a lower limit of detection of 500–2,000 copies/mL, these tests quickly and accurately identify pathogens like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, providing results in a short time with a single test. This offers doctors key diagnostic information, ensuring timely treatment within the "Golden 48 Hours."

Pluslife’s product line not only covers respiratory infection diagnostics but also includes tuberculosis, HPV testing, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and comprehensive pet infectious disease solutions. This highlights the company’s technological strength in rapid diagnostics and its commitment to addressing global public health challenges. With the launch and application of these products, Pluslife will further expand its influence in the global healthcare sector, contributing to the achievement of global health goals.

Preventing Influenza is Equally Important

In addition to timely treatment, influenza prevention is also critical. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, and it is recommended to get the flu vaccine before the flu season each year. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places, can also effectively reduce the risk of infection.