隱形的季節性殺手──流行性感冒介紹及治療照護

Invisible Seasonal Killer: Introduction and Treatment Care of Influenza

流行性感冒是全球性重要公共衛生的問題與挑戰，為每年秋冬季節常見的傳染病之一，主要由A型與B型流感病毒引起，可透過飛沫、接觸與氣溶膠等途徑迅速在人群中傳播。流感不僅影響個人健康，尤其引發重症病例造成不少死亡案例發生，不僅造成個人身心理健康問題；更對醫療系統和社會經濟造成嚴重負擔。流感典型症狀包括發燒、咳嗽、喉嚨痛、肌肉疼痛與疲倦等，部分患者可能發展為肺炎、心血管併發症或急性呼吸窘迫症候群。高風險族群如嬰幼兒、老年人、孕婦及慢性病患者，感染後比一般健康成年人更容易出現嚴重合併症甚至死亡。診斷方面，除了靠臨床評估外，常用檢測方式包括快速抗原檢測與反轉錄聚合酶鏈反應等檢驗項目。治療以抗病毒藥物如：Oseltamivir與Zanamivir為主，並以支持性療法為輔，疫苗接種是目前最有效的預防策略。此外，加強手部衛生、戴口罩及保持社交距離等措施也是防治策略方法之一。針對高風險群的早期介入、重症住院照護、合併抗生素治療及必要時使用氧氣，均可有效減少因流感造成的死亡率與醫療負擔。本文綜合流行病學、診斷與治療照護、預防策略等面向，旨在提升大眾與醫護人員對流感的全面認識與應對能力。

Influenza remains a major global public health concern and seasonal challenge, particularly prevalent during the autumn and winter months. Primarily caused by influenza A and B viruses, it spreads rapidly through droplets, direct contact, and aerosols. Beyond its impact on individual health, influenza is responsible for numerous severe cases and deaths each year, contributing to psychological distress, overwhelming healthcare systems, and imposing significant socioeconomic burdens. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue, although some patients may develop complications such as pneumonia, cardiovascular issues, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). High-risk groups—including infants, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses—are especially vulnerable to severe outcomes and increased mortality. Diagnosis relies not only on clinical assessment but also on commonly used tests such as rapid antigen detection and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are the mainstays of treatment, supplemented by supportive care. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, complemented by personal protective behaviors such as hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Early intervention for high-risk individuals, appropriate inpatient care for severe cases, judicious use of antibiotics when indicated, and oxygen therapy when necessary can help reduce influenza-related mortality and ease the strain on healthcare services. This article provides a comprehensive overview of influenza from epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive perspectives to enhance both public and healthcare professionals’understanding and preparedness.