Influenza is one of the most common seasonal viral diseases that spread in the winter. It is caused by the influenza virus, which has many types. Some simple daily habits can help prevent influenza.
With the advent of winter, temperatures drop, and weather changes noticeably, colds and influenza spread widely, and there is no shortage of them, big or small.
The most common symptoms of influenza include: fever, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and runny nose.
Millions of people become infected with influenza every year. While most recover within a week, an unlucky few die from the flu.
Seasonal influenza epidemics typically occur in late fall and during the winter, and can therefore be anticipated and prepared for.
In tropical regions, the influenza virus can circulate throughout the year, causing irregular outbreaks, but prevention remains an important factor.
Below are tips to help protect yourself and those around you from the flu.
Fortify yourself
The annual influenza vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from influenza and its serious complications.
Vaccination is especially important for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.
It is also necessary for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years
For the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, as well as for health care workers.
Remember: The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Having some aches or fever after vaccination is a completely normal and normal reaction and generally lasts a day or two.
Be careful not to use other people's tools that may carry the virus, such as a cup, toothbrush, key chain,
Wash your hands regularly
Hand hygiene protects against most infections, including influenza. Keeping your hands clean is an easy way to protect your health and the health of your family.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water and dry them well with a single-use towel. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Remember – proper hand washing takes as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Germs travel into the body, most likely through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
While you can't control everything you inhale, you can reduce the risk of infection by keeping your hands away from your face.
If you have to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, use a clean tissue or wash your hands first.
Avoid being near sick people
Influenza is contagious and spreads easily in crowded places, such as public transportation, schools, nursing homes, and in social gatherings.
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, virus-laden droplets can spread up to one metre, infecting those who inhale them.
If you are sick, stay home
If you have the flu, being close to others puts them at risk of infection.
This is especially true for people with chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and HIV.
Therefore, isolating yourself quickly from others can prevent the spread of influenza and save lives.
Some other tips for preventing influenza:
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Eat an orange every day or drink a cup of lemon with breakfast, as it contains vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. - Exercising with your family helps maintain the body’s vitality and protect it from diseases.
- Eating honey daily in the morning, with a little black seed added to it, helps increase the body’s immunity and stimulate blood circulation.
- Drinking plenty of water helps hydrate the body, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the incidence of diseases.
- There are some drugs that help eliminate the flu with two days of rest.
- A study showed that the germs that cause colds are attached to the hairs of the mucous membranes, and therefore it is recommended to rinse the nose using 9 grams of table salt dissolved in one liter of water.
- To avoid dryness of the mucous membranes, one must ensure that there is sufficient humidity in the surrounding air. Since heating devices absorb moisture from the room, the window must be opened from time to time to allow air to enter and reduce the humidity level.
- Finally, you must make sure to wear heavy clothing that suits the cold weather. If the body feels cold, germs can easily multiply in the body.
References:
https://www.who.int/ar/news-room/feature-stories/detail/five-simple-steps-to-protect-against-flu