Influenza and ARVI prevention
January 23, 2025 – Influenza and Acute Respiratory Viral Infection Prevention Day.
Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection characterized by damage to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, fever, intoxication, as well as dysfunction of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
It is the only acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) that leads to serious complications, which not only disrupt the functioning of our body but are also life-threatening.
The source of infection is a sick person. Patients with a mild form of the infection, who carry the disease "on their feet," play an important role in the transmission of the infection.
The only reliable way to protect against influenza is vaccination. However, not all groups of people undergo vaccination for various reasons (allergic reaction to chicken egg protein, severe reaction to previous vaccine administration, immunodeficiency conditions, acute infection, etc.). For individuals with contraindications to influenza vaccination, the main preventive measures are adherence to personal hygiene rules and observance of healthy lifestyle principles.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as an important component of influenza and ARVI prevention for everyone, contributes to increasing the body's resistance to infectious diseases.
A healthy lifestyle includes:
1. Work regimen.
An optimal work and rest regimen should include sufficient time for sleep, work, rest, and meals.
2. Physical culture.
Regular physical exercises and training help strengthen the immune system, allowing the body to respond adequately to respiratory viruses.
3. Nutrition.
Unbalanced nutrition, deficiency of proteins, fats, vitamins, and trace elements is a cause of secondary immunodeficiency conditions and creates favorable conditions for infection with influenza and ARVI viruses.
Consume dark green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits containing antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene.
4. Harmful habits cause many serious diseases, negatively affect immunity, and contribute to the occurrence of respiratory infections. Smokers are more prone to respiratory diseases and experience more frequent colds.
5. Stress
People who regularly experience stress tend to have weakened immunity, which leads to more frequent illnesses and a higher risk of complications from infectious diseases.
Influenza Prevention During an Epidemic:
- After each trip on public transport, upon returning home, it is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly. If hand washing is not possible, it is recommended to carry antibacterial wet wipes or antibacterial gel. Avoid touching your face and mucous membranes of the mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
- Ventilate your living, study, and work spaces. Conduct wet cleaning in these areas using household detergents and disinfectants.
- Use only personal hygiene items (towel, handkerchief) and your personal mobile phone.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE: masks, respirators) in public places (to prevent the spread of infection among people if you have an acute respiratory infection, and also to protect yourself from infection by wearing a mask when visiting public places during an epidemic).
- Avoid crowded places.
- If you do get sick, refrain from going to work, keep your sick child at home, and call a doctor to your home. This will not only reduce the possibility of spreading the infection but also decrease the likelihood of developing complications, including life-threatening ones. Also, observe "Respiratory Etiquette": when coughing or sneezing, it is recommended to cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue and discard it in a bin after use; avoid touching your face with your hands. If a handkerchief is not available, epidemiologists recommend sneezing or coughing into the crook of your elbow, limiting the spread of viruses with your sleeve and keeping your hands clean). Drink plenty of fluids and consume vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones!
State Institution "Rossonsky RCGE", January 2025.