Spring Virus Alert: Share This Essential Disease Prevention Handbook

Author: Li Wencheng, Department of Infectious Diseases, Yiyang Central Hospital. Reviewer: Wang Deqiang, Director of Infectious Diseases, Chief Physician. Curator: ZS. Production Information: Hunan Medical Chat. Title: Spring Virus Alert: Share This Essential Disease Prevention Handbook.

As temperatures gradually rise, various pathogens are also quietly becoming active. The temperature fluctuations typical of spring create conditions conducive to the spread of infectious diseases. To help everyone enjoy the beautiful spring, experts from Yiyang Central Hospital have specifically compiled this guide on protecting against commonly occurring infectious diseases in spring, to safeguard the health of you and your family.

1. Influenza.

Primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, the infection typically presents with a sudden high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches, often accompanied by coughing and a sore throat. The overall symptoms are more severe than those of a common cold. The entire population is generally susceptible, with pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses at higher risk for severe cases following infection.

Key prevention measures include: getting the flu vaccine annually, washing your hands frequently, ensuring indoor spaces are well-ventilated, wearing a mask in crowded places, and resting or seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms occur.

2. Chickenpox.

It is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact with vesicular fluid, exhibiting a very high infectious capacity. The typical symptoms include the gradual appearance of red rashes, papules, clear blisters, and scabs all over the body, often accompanied by itching and possibly fever. It mainly affects unvaccinated children and can easily lead to outbreaks in collective settings such as daycare centers and schools.

Key prevention measure: vaccination against chickenpox; patients should be isolated until all vesicles have crusted over.

3. Epidemic Mumps.

Primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact, this illness is characterized by unilateral or bilateral swelling and pain of the parotid glands. The pain intensifies when chewing or consuming acidic foods, and it may be accompanied by fever and headache. It mainly affects unvaccinated children and adolescents, easily spreading in crowded places such as kindergartens and schools.

Key prevention measure: vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, maintaining good personal hygiene, and patients should be isolated until the swelling of the salivary glands has completely subsided.

4. Norovirus infection.

Transmission mainly occurs via the fecal-oral route and aerosols. The onset is abrupt, with primary symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Vomiting is more common in children, while diarrhea is more prevalent in adults. The entire population is generally susceptible, with outbreaks often occurring in collective settings such as daycare centers, schools, and nursing homes.

Key prevention points: wash hands frequently, pay attention to water and food hygiene, wear protective gear when handling vomit, and use chlorine-containing disinfectants for cleaning.

5. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.

This disease is primarily transmitted through close contact and respiratory droplets. Typical characteristics include small blisters or rashes appearing on areas such as the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks, often accompanied by fever. Children aged five and under are primarily affected, with childcare institutions being the main places of spread.

Key prevention measure: vaccination against enterovirus 71 with an inactivated vaccine for children aged 6 months to 5 years can effectively prevent severe cases. Attention to personal hygiene and enhancing immunity are also important.

6. Measles.

Primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and can also spread indirectly through contact with contaminated objects, making it highly infectious. After infection, symptoms often begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, with characteristic Koplik's spots possibly appearing in the oral cavity, followed by red maculopapular rashes all over the body.

Unvaccinated children are particularly susceptible to outbreaks in crowded places such as kindergartens and schools. Adults who have never contracted measles or have not been vaccinated can also become infected.

The key to prevention: vaccination with the measles vaccine is the most effective preventive measure.

7. Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

This disease is mainly transmitted through tick bites and has a sudden onset, characterized primarily by fever, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may present with bleeding, skin ecchymosis, drowsiness, and confusion, reflecting neurological symptoms. Individuals engaging in outdoor activities in endemic areas such as hills and forests (like farmers and tourists) are at higher risk of infection.

Key prevention measures: wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants during outdoor activities, use insect repellent, and avoid sitting or lying in grass or bushes for extended periods. If bitten by a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to pull it out vertically and disinfect the area promptly. Monitor closely for symptoms such as fever, and seek medical attention immediately if they occur.

Although there are many types of infectious diseases in spring, prevention is always the most cost-effective health strategy. Key points include vaccination, frequent handwashing, regular ventilation, emphasizing hygiene, mosquito control, and seeking timely medical attention. The more knowledge we have, the more protection we can provide. Let us use scientific habits to safeguard each other's health and comfortably embrace the warm sun and spring breeze of the Year of the Metal Horse.

Reference materials.

1. National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Influenza (2020 Edition) [J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2020, 13(6): 401-405, 411.

2. Wang Changtai, Li Jinyu, Xia Guomei, et al. Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (2025 Edition) [J]. Chinese New Drugs Journal, 2026, 35(6): 1-12.

3. China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for Investigation and Prevention of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks (2025 Edition) [J]. International Journal of Virology, 2025, 32(5): 360-367.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Contributor: Li Wencheng, Department of Infectious Diseases, Yiyang Central Hospital. Guiding Expert: Wang Deqiang, Director of Infectious Diseases, Chief Physician.

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Edited by ZS.