What Are the Symptoms of Type A Influenza These Days, and What Are the Tamiflu Prescription Criteria?

It is said that respiratory diseases are spreading rapidly during the winter. Of course, colds are common, but these days an influenza outbreak advisory has also been issued, so the risk of influenza infection is high. Influenza is an acute respiratory infection that spreads worldwide every year, and type A influenza, which leads seasonal outbreaks each year, is one of the main diseases to watch out for.

Usually, type A influenza tends to spread from December, and type B influenza often spreads from February. This year, however, type A and type B have been spreading at the same time, causing a sharp increase in influenza patients. So while type B is also being detected among recent flu cases, type A influenza symptoms are said to be more common these days. Today, let’s look at type A influenza and briefly go over the symptoms of type A influenza these days, as well as the prescription criteria for Tamiflu for influenza.

What Is Type A Influenza

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is classified into type A, type B, and type C depending on the virus type. Among these, type A influenza is the virus strain that leads annual influenza outbreaks and is characterized by strong transmissibility and mutation.

The previously widespread “swine flu” also emerged as a variant of the existing influenza virus. It can spread not only between people but also from animals, making it a virus type that can cause more widespread infection.

Symptoms of Type A Influenza These Days

Type A influenza usually spreads from December and mainly has an outbreak period through January and February. This year, unusually, type B influenza has also been spreading at the same time, so type A and type B influenza are circulating together. However, since many infections are still centered on type A influenza, it is worth paying attention to the symptoms of type A influenza these days.

Typical symptoms of type A influenza include a sudden high fever above 38°C, headache, joint pain, and muscle pain. Severe lethargy may also occur. These symptoms usually appear suddenly within 1 to 5 days after infection and may follow the progression below. (The order and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.)

Main symptoms of type A influenza these days

• High fever: sudden high fever above 38°C

• Muscle pain: severe muscle pain, as if you have been hit all over

• Headache: severe muscle pain that extends around and behind the eyes

• Cough: begins as a dry cough and gradually worsens

• Sore throat: the throat becomes red and severe pain is felt

• Fatigue: extreme fatigue and lethargy to the point that it is difficult to move your body.

• Others: chills, cold sweats, runny nose, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc.

Symptom progression

• Days 1–3: sudden high fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, and other symptoms appear

• Day 4: fever and muscle pain decrease, and sore throat and cough become more noticeable

• After day 8: symptoms improve, but cough and fatigue may persist for 1 to 2 weeks.

Tamiflu Prescription Criteria for Influenza

So far, we have looked at the symptoms of type A influenza these days. Fortunately, influenza can be managed well because there are vaccines and treatments available. The best approach is to prepare in advance with a flu shot. If you do get infected with influenza, treatment is possible if an antiviral is administered within 48 hours.

Tamiflu is an oral antiviral used to treat influenza. It is effective when taken within 48 hours after symptoms appear, and adults need to take 75 mg twice a day for 5 days to obtain Tamiflu’s treatment effect. Tamiflu is not prescribed to everyone who gets the flu, and it may meet the prescription criteria for influenza Tamiflu in the following cases.

General prescription criteria

• Start treatment within 48 hours after flu symptoms appear

• Adolescents 13 and older, adults: take 75 mg twice a day for 5 days

• Children 1 to 12 years old: dosage adjusted according to body weight

Prescription criteria for high-risk groups

• If there is no confirmed test but there are two symptoms such as cough and headache along with a high fever, it can be prescribed

• High-risk groups: children 9 years old and under, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, people with chronic illnesses, etc.

Protect Your Health with Flu Prevention

So far, we have looked at the prescription criteria for Tamiflu for influenza. Influenza is a respiratory illness that can suddenly develop symptoms and threaten daily life. In particular, high-risk groups may face life-threatening complications, so it is important not to think of it as merely an extension of a cold, but to prepare in advance.

The most important thing in flu prevention is maintaining and strengthening immunity, but it is advisable to prepare in advance for the virus strains that will circulate through vaccination. It is best to complete the flu shot in October, before flu season begins. After vaccination, the vaccine becomes effective through the antibody formation period, and the expected effectiveness is about 70–80%.

Prevention efforts in daily life are also necessary.

Wash your hands often, and when coughing or sneezing, it is better to turn away from other people. Also, keep indoor humidity at around 40–60%, and pay attention to maintaining nutritional balance and immunity through proper diet, sleep, and exercise.

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