Yesterday, the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences published a new study on its official website: Chen Hualan's research team, which specializes in the study of avian influenza viruses, discovered that the H7N9 virus mutates after invading the human body and may spread efficiently through droplets. The prevention and control of the H7N9 virus should not be taken lightly, as there is a risk of a large-scale human pandemic.
Shu Yuelong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Virology at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Director of the National Influenza Center: This virus will not disappear on its own. Numerous biological characteristics indicate that the H7N9 avian influenza virus is still active in nature and continues to pose a significant threat to humans. Only through continuous and rigorous monitoring and research of H7N9 can humanity develop sufficient capacity to resist this novel recombinant virus.
This year, the H7N9 avian influenza outbreak in mainland my country has infected over a hundred people, and whether the virus can be transmitted from person to person has been a key issue. The genomes of the H7N9 virus isolated from birds and humans are highly homologous, and all viruses have the ability to bind to receptors on human respiratory epithelial cells, which is the main reason why H7N9 is so easily transmitted to humans.
The non-pathogenicity of the H7N9 virus in poultry allows it to exist in birds undetected, increasing the chances of transmission to humans and the likelihood of genetic mutations. This could potentially enable the H7N9 virus to achieve highly efficient human-to-human transmission. Therefore, it is imperative that the global response to H7N9 virus outbreaks remain vigilant. Close monitoring of H7N9 virus mutations in nature, especially in humans, is essential to effectively prevent a major H7N9 influenza pandemic.
It seems that the H7N9 avian influenza is not only not subsiding, but is getting worse. So how can we prevent such a rampant H7N9 avian influenza? Today, I will introduce some tips for preventing H7N9.
Suspend consumption of poultry
There is already evidence that pigeons and chickens in Shanghai carry the H7N9 virus, and pork vendors in Nanjing have also been infected. Therefore, it is recommended that people refrain from consuming poultry, including chicken, duck, pigeon and other birds and poultry meat, during this period. At the same time, be cautious when choosing pork, try not to choose live poultry, and avoid living near live poultry slaughter stalls in the market.
Wear a mask when going out
Wear a mask when going out. Although the transmission pattern of H7N9 is not yet clear, spring is the peak season for influenza. We recommend that you choose medical protective masks. The effectiveness of a mask decreases after multiple uses, so change your mask every day to effectively block the virus.
Try to avoid going to public places
Public places are crowded, making it easier for viruses to spread. We recommend avoiding crowded places such as cinemas, shopping malls, and restaurants during this special period to effectively avoid getting infected. Spring is the peak season for influenza, so staying away from public places is essential.
Strengthen exercise and improve physical fitness
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that people are prone to irritability and weakness in spring. Therefore, it is best to do aerobic exercise every day in spring to effectively strengthen the body and enhance its ability to resist viruses.
Strengthen the disinfection of household products
Even if you avoid going to public places as much as possible, you will still need to be in crowded places such as buses and subways when commuting to work. Therefore, remember to use disinfectant products to wipe and disinfect household items. If your home environment is limited, you can also use vinegar steaming to disinfect. Disinfect your shoes regularly when going out, and clean your outerwear promptly.
Wash your hands and clean frequently.
If convenient, we recommend that you carry disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer with you, wash your hands frequently, and clean your computer and desktop regularly to effectively kill viruses and prevent them from invading your body.
Eat more nourishing foods
As spring arrives, traditional Chinese medicine believes that during the seasonal transition, people are prone to irritability and should not focus solely on tonifying the body. Therefore, tonifying the body in spring should involve foods that are mild and moisturizing, such as milk, honey, soy products, fresh vegetables, and fruits. These foods are beneficial for dispelling cold and pathogens and supporting Yang energy. It is recommended that families with elderly people, children, or women who are weak consume more warming and nourishing foods.
Place green plants in the office
If you frequently work overtime in the office, we recommend purchasing some fresh green plants. Green plants can effectively absorb fine dust particles in the air, and viruses often attach themselves to these fine dust particles. Therefore, placing more green plants can effectively improve the air quality in the office.
Drink more traditional Chinese medicine preventative tea
The Beijing Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine recently released two prescriptions for preventative herbal teas. Prescription 1 recommends using 10g of reed rhizome and 3g of forsythia, one dose daily, steeped in boiling water, suitable for children aged 3-12. Prescription 2 recommends using 5g of Imperata cylindrica root, 3g of agastache rugosa, 3g of chrysanthemum, and 5g of Adenophora stricta, one dose daily, steeped in boiling water, suitable for adults. Elderly individuals with weak constitutions or those suffering from chronic illnesses and qi deficiency can add Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Screen Powder).
