Health Day. Truths and myths about flu prevention

Influenza is much easier to avoid than to treat it long and difficult. Nature has created many effective ways to protect against influenza. Humans also add to this list by creating medicines and vaccines.

However, many people think that influenza prevention is simply not to communicate with a sick person and wear an antiviral mask. But this is not true. Here are some myths and facts about how to properly prevent influenza.

If you had the flu last year, you won't get sick this year.

There is still a risk of getting infected with influenza. Moreover, you can get sick even if you have had the flu this year. This disease in humans is caused by viruses of three types – A, B, and C. A person who has had influenza of one type or its variety does not acquire immunity against all others.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that influenza viruses are very changeable. Every year we deal with new strains of influenza, and this is the main reason for annual influenza outbreaks.

The vaccine does not provide 100% protection against influenza, is it worth getting it?

Vaccination is the most effective means of influenza prevention today. It is carried out in the autumn, before the epidemic begins (from September to November). 70-80% of vaccinated employees in a team create an immune layer that reliably protects against influenza. Timely vaccination reduces the incidence of influenza several times, softens the course of the disease, shortens its duration, and prevents complications. The influenza

After removing your face mask, wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Infection spreads this way.

Garlic provides excellent protection against influenza.

Prevention should primarily focus on strengthening the body's defenses. This includes: physical activity, hardening (tempering), and rational nutrition (fresh vegetables and fruits, juices, and обязательно 1 раз в день meat or fish), and timely rest.

It is recommended to take vitamin and mineral complexes.

During the influenza epidemic, include natural phytoncides such as garlic and onions, as well as vitaminized drinks in your diet.

If you are already experiencing unpleasant symptoms – high fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, runny nose, harsh cough – it is necessary to also use so-called folk remedies for treatment – onions, garlic, raspberries, honey, mustard plasters, aloe juice, and others. When caring for a patient, observe personal hygiene rules, regularly ventilate the room, and perform wet cleaning.

People with weakened immunity are most often affected by influenza and ARVI.

Colds are most easily contracted by those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle: they are sedentary, rarely spend time outdoors, worry a lot, do not get enough sleep, are overworked, work excessively, smoke, and abuse alcohol.

Pregnant women are also at increased risk of complications from influenza, and their immunity may be suppressed during pregnancy.

If you are sick – drink more fluids.

At the first symptoms of illness, you should drink fluids as often as possible – herbal and vitamin teas, which, in combination with medications, help remove toxins from the body.

If possible, try to include more dairy and plant-based products in your diet; it is recommended to completely exclude spicy food.

Drink vodka with pepper at the first symptoms of illness.

Under no circumstances. Alcohol can only worsen the course of the illness.

Antiviral drugs can be used not only for treatment but also for influenza prevention.

Antiviral drugs can be used for influenza prevention. However, be sure to consult your doctor regarding whether certain family members can take these antiviral drugs.

Influenza is easily recognized by a high temperature.

Only a doctor can correctly diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment. In typical cases, the illness begins suddenly: temperature rises to 38-40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills, severe headache, dizziness, eye pain, tearing, and eye irritation. At the first symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

The incubation period lasts from a few hours to 2-3 days. The duration of the illness is approximately one week.

During the illness, observe bed rest and follow all doctor's recommendations. Do not self-medicate or treat influenza carelessly. Its complications can include: ear, throat, and nose diseases, nervous system complications, pneumonia, as well as exacerbation of chronic diseases: cardiovascular, renal, bronchopulmonary, and diabetes mellitus.

At the first symptoms of influenza, it is necessary to stay home and call a doctor. Do not delay calling an ambulance if the temperature rises to 39-40 degrees Celsius, if there is shortness of breath, impaired consciousness, chest pain, cyanosis, vomiting, or seizures – in these cases, an ambulance should be called. For moderate conditions, you can call a doctor to your home.