Recently, many cases of severe flu have resulted in 'white lungs' on X-rays or CT scans, causing concern in the community.
In addition, information is also spreading on social networks that placing onions in water or scattered around the house can help repel the flu virus. What is the truth of this issue?
Why can severe flu cause "white lungs"?
Dr. Bui Pham Minh Man, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Branch 3, said that "White lung" is a medical term that describes an X-ray or CT scan image of severely damaged lungs, appearing as a white, hazy area due to the accumulation of inflammatory fluid. This phenomenon often occurs in patients with severe influenza, especially those with complications caused by influenza A/H5N1, influenza A/H1N1 or influenza B.
According to respiratory experts, "white lungs" when infected with influenza are often the result of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - a serious complication caused by the body's excessive inflammatory response to a viral attack. When the influenza virus invades, the immune system reacts strongly, damaging the alveolar-capillary barrier, causing inflammatory fluid to overflow into the alveoli, making the lungs unable to exchange gases effectively.
The phenomenon of "white lung" often occurs in patients with severe influenza.
In addition, some other mechanisms can cause "white lungs" when infected with flu such as:
Bacterial superinfection : Flu weakens the immune system in the respiratory tract, creating conditions for bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus to invade, causing more severe pneumonia.
Diffuse lung damage : Influenza virus directly attacks alveolar cells, causing loss of oxygen exchange capacity.
Cytokine storm : Some severe cases of influenza cause an excessive inflammatory response (cytokine storm), causing rapid destruction of lung tissue, leading to acute respiratory failure.
High-risk groups for these complications include the elderly, people with underlying diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD, immunodeficiency), pregnant women and young children. When symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cyanosis, and prolonged high fever appear, patients need to be hospitalized immediately to avoid dangerous developments.
Does putting onions in the house help repel the flu virus?
Recently, information has been spreading on social networks that placing onions in water or around the house can absorb and destroy the flu virus. However, medical experts confirm that this is a misconception with no scientific basis.
There is no scientific basis for the claim that placing onions in water or leaving them around the house can attract and kill flu viruses.
According to Dr. Le Nhat Duy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, onions contain sulfur compounds and flavonoids with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, there is no evidence that they can absorb or destroy influenza viruses in the air. Influenza viruses are transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets when coughing, sneezing or direct contact with virus-infected surfaces, not "floating" in the air to be absorbed into onions.
Some scientific measures to help prevent flu effectively:
- Get a flu vaccine every year to reduce your risk of getting sick and having serious complications.
- Keep your hands clean, wash them regularly with soap or sanitizer.
- Wear a mask when in contact with sick people or in crowded environments.
- Keep the environment well ventilated and clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Boost your immune system with a healthy diet, adequate sleep and exercise.
The condition of "white lungs" in severe flu patients is a sign of serious lung damage, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Meanwhile, information about using onions to repel the flu virus is not scientifically based. To protect health during flu season, each person needs to proactively take preventive measures as recommended by the health sector, especially getting vaccinated and maintaining personal hygiene.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giai-ma-hien-tuong-phoi-trang-khi-nhiem-cum-thuc-hu-viec-dat-hanh-tay-phong-benh-185250214173649114.htm
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