Influenza patient response procedures should be carried out systematically from symptom recognition to treatment, isolation, and prevention. This article explains the main steps for individuals and facilities according to official guidelines, and please check public institution sites for the latest policy changes.

Influenza Symptom Recognition Stage

Suspected influenza symptoms include sudden high fever of 38°C or above, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, and fatigue.
Upon symptom onset, minimize contact with others immediately and avoid entering multi-use facilities.
Rest at home and begin symptomatic treatment such as antipyretics, while observing symptom improvement.

High-Risk Group Confirmation

High-risk groups (aged 65 or older, infants, those with chronic diseases, pregnant women) are advised to contact a medical institution immediately upon symptom onset.
They have a high risk of complications, so early antiviral administration may be necessary.

Medical Institution Visit and Treatment Procedures

Before visiting a medical institution, inform them of symptoms via phone reservation or consultation, and move while wearing a mask.
During consultation, report fever, respiratory symptoms, and vaccination history to medical staff, and confirm diagnosis through testing (rapid antigen test or PCR).
Upon confirmation, receive prescription for antiviral drugs (oseltamivir, etc.), and during epidemic alerts, high-risk groups can receive treatment based on suspected symptoms alone.

Post-Treatment Management

Rest at home until 24 hours after fever subsides (without antipyretics), and refrain from going to school, daycare, or work.
Avoid contact with high-risk family members and seek re-treatment if symptoms worsen.

Isolation and Contact Management Stage

Patients must isolate for 5-7 days after symptom resolution (7 days for children), strictly wearing masks and washing hands.
Contacts (cohabitants, etc.) should monitor symptoms for the maximum incubation period (7 days) and visit a medical institution if fever occurs.
In facilities (schools, nursing homes), report to the public health center upon patient occurrence and perform environmental disinfection.

Environmental Disinfection and Prevention Measures

Upon patient occurrence, immediately clean and disinfect visible surfaces (wearing disposable gloves and masks) and ventilate.
Personal prevention includes thorough handwashing (30 seconds or more), cough etiquette (using sleeves or tissues), and mask wearing.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended, with priority before the epidemic season.

Influenza target symptoms include high fever of 38°C or above, cough, sore throat, etc., and isolation period is 24 hours after defervescence or 5-7 days after symptom onset. Treatment drugs include oseltamivir and zanamivir, which are covered by health insurance upon doctor’s prescription, prevention rules include handwashing, mask wearing, and vaccination, and schools or facilities must report to the public health center upon occurrence.

Essential Checks Before Implementing Influenza Patient Response Procedures

• Confirm the latest epidemic criteria and alert issuance through official public institution announcements.
• Review high-risk group status and antiviral drug application periods in the relevant institution’s guidelines.
• Identify regional public health center contacts and designated medical institution lists in advance.
• Verify vaccination targets and timing through official immunization program announcements.
• In case of policy changes (possible annual variations), inquire latest information on public institution sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go to the hospital immediately if I suspect influenza?

Observe and rest at home upon symptom onset, but visit immediately if high fever persists or breathing difficulty occurs. Phone consultation before moving is recommended.

How is the response different for child patients?

Children require 7-day isolation after symptoms and early consultation is important as high fever and systemic symptoms are common.

How to prevent spread within the family?

Prevent by separating the patient’s room, prohibiting shared items, thorough handwashing, and avoiding contact with high-risk groups.

When are antiviral drugs prescribed?

Early administration within 48 hours of symptom onset is effective, and during epidemics, high-risk groups can receive them without testing.

What are the procedures if a patient occurs at school?

Notify the homeroom teacher, report to the public health center, and perform patient isolation and environmental disinfection.

Next Steps for Implementing Influenza Patient Response Procedures

Adhere to influenza patient response procedures, and prevent through personal hygiene and vaccination. Policies may vary by year or region, so please confirm the latest guidelines through official government or public institution announcements.