{"id":14556,"date":"2025-04-03T11:22:35","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T03:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premierclinic.hk\/?p=14556"},"modified":"2025-04-03T11:26:58","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T03:26:58","slug":"%e4%b8%89%e5%a4%a7%e5%91%bc%e5%90%b8%e9%81%93%e7%96%be%e7%97%85%e5%be%b5%e7%8b%80%e7%9b%b8%e4%bc%bc-%e6%8f%90%e9%98%b2%e9%9b%99%e9%87%8d%e6%84%9f%e6%9f%93%e5%bc%95%e7%99%bc%e9%87%8d%e7%97%87","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premierclinic.hk\/en\/news\/%e4%b8%89%e5%a4%a7%e5%91%bc%e5%90%b8%e9%81%93%e7%96%be%e7%97%85%e5%be%b5%e7%8b%80%e7%9b%b8%e4%bc%bc-%e6%8f%90%e9%98%b2%e9%9b%99%e9%87%8d%e6%84%9f%e6%9f%93%e5%bc%95%e7%99%bc%e9%87%8d%e7%97%87\/","title":{"rendered":"Three major respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms; beware of dual infection, which can lead to severe illness (healthyD.com)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcus are all common respiratory illnesses with the potential to cause pandemics. They can spread rapidly through droplets or direct contact with infected individuals. The symptoms of these three illnesses are similar, and severe cases can be accompanied by complications. Therefore, understanding the symptoms and prevention methods of these illnesses, along with increased vigilance, can help reduce the risk of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Managing the flu reduces serious complications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Initial flu symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, but flu symptoms develop more quickly. While most people recover on their own, people with weakened immune systems, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, may develop complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, and meningitis. If you experience persistent high fever, worsening cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly to avoid serious complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (Big S) reportedly died suddenly from suspected influenza and pneumonia while traveling to Japan with her family. Former Miss Hong Kong winner Li Shanshan also publicly shared her experience of suffering from severe influenza, requiring multiple days in the hospital. This has rekindled public awareness of the severity of influenza. Given the alarming number of severe influenza cases and even deaths in Hong Kong each year, experts urge the public to get vaccinated early to prevent infection.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is particularly important to maintain personal hygiene in daily life, especially wearing a mask in public places or during flu peaks; keeping the air circulating at home and in the office can also help reduce the spread of the virus in confined spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respiratory syncytial virus is highly contagious, so the elderly and young children should be careful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) experience common cold and flu symptoms, which resolve in about 1-2 weeks. However, be aware that RSV may cause otitis media. Infants, children, and the elderly may develop bronchitis and pneumonia, so they should seek medical attention early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past autumn and winter seasons in Hong Kong, outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection occurred in many schools and institutions, especially in childcare centres and kindergartens. Large-scale outbreaks occurred, which were related to the frequent interaction between children, allowing the virus to spread rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To prevent RSV infection, keep your hands and surroundings clean, especially after children play. Regularly disinfect toys, tables, chairs, or shared items. Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated public places. Young children and the elderly may consider wearing surgical masks when in these areas. If a baby or elderly family member experiences severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or a high fever, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Individuals at high risk should consult their doctor about the need for the RSV vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People aged 65 and above should be aware of pneumococcal disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pneumococcus (also known as Streptococcus pneumoniae) is a common respiratory fungus found in the nasopharynx. While it generally coexists peacefully with the human body, it can sometimes cause infection. Symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. If the bacteria invade other organs, it can cause otitis media, as well as potentially fatal pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and sepsis. Transmission occurs through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing, close contact with infected individuals, or contact with objects contaminated with pneumococci.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If pneumococcal infection is superimposed on influenza or RSV, the risk of severe illness is higher. The Department of Health provides free or subsidized pneumococcal vaccination for eligible children and seniors aged 65 or above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to vaccinations, maintaining personal hygiene, a regular sleep schedule, and a balanced diet can help maintain immunity. If you suspect pneumonia or other complications, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring blood oxygen levels could be life-saving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If a respiratory illness develops into pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory complications, symptoms such as difficulty breathing may occur, and the body may suffer from severe hypoxia. For high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, monitoring blood oxygen levels (SpO\u2082) with a pulse oximeter is recommended to provide a real-time indicator of whether the body is receiving an adequate oxygen supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the blood oxygen content is lower than normal (i.e. 94% or below), it means that the patient is in potential danger and should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid serious sequelae or even life-threatening consequences caused by hypoxia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 tips to protect respiratory health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, if they experience repeated high fever, severe cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other discomfort, they should not buy medicine on their own to avoid delaying appropriate treatment. Instead, they should go to a hospital or clinic for medical treatment and a detailed examination as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the pathogens of various respiratory infectious diseases, such as influenza, pneumococcal infection, and RSV infection, are different, the prevention principles are generally the same. You can refer to the following five methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n