Influenza A: Symptoms, TCM Treatment and Prevention Methods

Symptoms of Influenza A

Influenza A (also known as flu A) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus. The symptoms of influenza A [1] may include:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Headache
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
Severe respiratory infections (such as pneumonia)
Eye infections (conjunctivitis)
Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea)
Neurological symptoms (such as seizures)

Incubation Period and Transmission Risk of Influenza A

The incubation period for influenza A ranges from 1 to 10 days [1]. In the early stages of influenza A infection, symptoms are often absent or mild, which means many people become infected unknowingly and may inadvertently transmit the virus to family members and friends.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Influenza A

In treating influenza A, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners assess the disease characteristics, the patient’s symptoms, and their constitutional type to determine the underlying nature of the illness. Common influenza A patterns in Hong Kong include wind-cold, wind-heat, and cold-dampness. Additionally, as influenza A typically involves a prolonged disease course, patients may develop qi deficiency manifestations, which can slow recovery progress.

TCM treatment for influenza A primarily focuses on prescribing Chinese herbal medicine to improve constitution and enhance immune function, with appropriate symptomatic herbs added based on the patient’s presentation. For individuals with normally robust constitutions, influenza A symptoms may manifest more severely. In such cases, TCM practitioners may incorporate acupuncture or cupping therapy to assist in expelling wind-cold, wind-heat, or cold-dampness pathogens from influenza A patients.

How to Prevent Influenza A?

Maintain Good Personal Hygiene Practices

Maintaining personal hygiene is the most fundamental and important method for preventing influenza A. First, wash your hands frequently, especially after touching public objects, paying particular attention to fingertips, finger pads, palms, and the spaces between fingers. Second, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these areas are the primary entry points for viruses into the body; clean your hands before any contact. Third, when coughing or sneezing, use tissue paper to cover your mouth and nose. If you experience mild influenza A symptoms, wear a mask and avoid crowded places and social gatherings.

Reduce Visits to Crowded Places

In densely populated areas, the risk of contracting influenza A increases, especially during holidays when many venues are relatively crowded. Individuals with weaker constitutions are advised to avoid attending banquets or gatherings in busy areas (such as concerts, parade routes, etc.), or to wear masks and maintain personal hygiene. If you notice someone nearby sneezing or coughing, temporarily leave the area.

Improve Constitution and Strengthen Immunity

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency or qi deficiency are more susceptible to influenza A infection. When the body is weak, our ability to resist external pathogens decreases, meaning immunity is relatively compromised. Additionally, since influenza A presents gastrointestinal symptoms, those with pre-existing spleen-stomach weakness who contract influenza A will experience more pronounced symptoms and relatively difficult recovery. Appropriate dietary therapy can improve body constitution and strengthen immunity.

RCMP Choi’s Case Study in Treating Influenza A

During the peak of the winter flu outbreak, a child approximately 10 years old suddenly developed a fever of 39°C one night. Although the parents immediately administered fever-reducing medication, the child’s temperature did not fully return to normal levels. Two days later, the fever escalated to 39.5°C, accompanied by sore throat, cold hands and feet, and mild perspiration.

Based on the child’s symptoms and tongue and pulse examination, RCMP Choi diagnosed the condition as a flu of wind-heat with dampness. When dampness and heat appear together, the condition tends to be more lingering and difficult to resolve, with a fluctuating course of illness. Simultaneous heat-clearing and dampness-dispelling treatment is required. Therefore, RCMP Choi prescribed Chinese herbal medicine and instructed the parents to monitor the child’s energy level, bowel movements, and other symptoms, with a follow-up appointment scheduled for three days later. Since the child did not exhibit obvious cold symptoms such as coughing or runny nose, and the body temperature did not immediately decrease, the concerned parents took the child to a Western medicine clinic. After examination, the Western doctor found no obvious cause and therefore did not prescribe any medication, indicating that if the child’s temperature did not decrease after several days, hospital examination would be necessary.

At the first follow-up visit, the child’s temperature had slightly decreased to 38.7°C. The child reported that the sore throat had significantly improved, but occasional coughing and mild hoarseness had appeared. The parents also noted that the child’s fever worsened at night. Based on TCM four diagnostic methods, RCMP Choi determined that the child’s condition was improving, but because the fever had damaged the yin and blood, the heat had not significantly subsided. After adjusting the medication, the child’s temperature completely returned to normal the following day. Complete recovery was achieved after one more course of tonic adjustment.

Dietary Therapy for Preventing Influenza A

The prevention of influenza A primarily focuses on strengthening the spleen and tonifying qi. Before contracting influenza A or experiencing any symptoms, we can improve our constitution through dietary therapy that strengthens the spleen and tonifies qi. Below is a soup recipe suitable for a Hong Kong family of three to four people:

Ingredients: Root of Buddhapalm Fig20g , common yam rhizome 20g , white hyacinth beans 15g, Indian Buead 15g Fuling, 1 carrot, 350g lean meat, salt to taste

Instructions:

Rinse root of Buddhapalm Fig, common yam rhizome, white hyacinth beans, and Indian Buead, then soak in clean water for 15-30 minutes.
Peel and cut the carrot into chunks.
Blanch the lean meat in boiling water to remove blood and impurities.
Place all ingredients along with the soaking water, meat, and carrot into a soup pot, and add an appropriate amount of clean water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Turn off the heat and add salt to taste.

Note: Suitable soups vary according to individual constitution. If you have any questions, please consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner.

Dietary Recommendations When Infected with Influenza A

If you or your family members unfortunately contract influenza A, dietary choices during the illness are very important. Appropriate nutrition can help you or your family members recover better while maintaining strength to resist the disease.

First, it is important to maintain adequate hydration. If high fever occurs, it may lead to dehydration. Drinking clean water helps replenish body fluids. If you have been sweating profusely, electrolyte drinks are more effective than water for rehydrating.

Second, when infected with influenza A, the diet should be light and nutritious, with easily digestible foods. However, if your constitution tends toward dampness, consuming plain congee may worsen the condition.

Additionally, try to avoid processed foods and high-sugar foods. These foods typically contain less nutrition and may increase inflammatory responses in the body, delaying recovery.

If you or your family members have no appetite, try eating smaller, more frequent meals to ensure adequate nutritional intake, or drink small amounts of rice water (the liquid part of plain congee), which can help relieve nausea.

Influenza A symptoms are generally quite severe. If you unfortunately contract influenza A, we should actively seek treatment. Simply resting may delay the condition and lead to complications. If you have questions about your condition, please seek medical attention early.