Flu prevention is simple but life-saving. Influenza becomes one of the biggest problems for people, especially during the cold winter months or seasonal transitions. It can cause various damages to all organs, especially affecting the respiratory and circulatory system. As long as the general body resistance and defense system is strong, it is not seen as an important discomfort. However, it can lead to very bad consequences in elderly people, newborn babies, chronic diseases in which the immune system is weak, circulatory and respiratory system disorders and in the presence of other diseases that weaken the immune system such as AIDS.
How is Influenza Transmitted?
When the infected person sneezes and coughs, billions of invisible influenza viruses are spread into the air; people sharing the same environment start to develop symptoms 1-3 days after inhaling the virus in this area through the so-called 'droplet infection'. Apart from the droplet route, using items in contact with the mouth and nasal discharge of sick people and close contact with the sick person are other ways of transmission. We can list the factors that transmit the flu as follows;
- The spread of the virus is facilitated in dry air.
- Being in close contact in closed environments accelerates the transmission of the virus.
- Using public transportation facilitates the transmission of the virus.
- Travel between countries advances the spread of the virus.
- Poor hygiene conditions ensure the spread of the virus.
What should be done to prevent the flu?
The ways to prevent the flu are easy but important. The flu virus enters the body through the nose, mouth and eyes. Influenza, a common disease of the winter months, also known as 'rag disease' among the people; It is a type of disease caused by viruses that are transmitted not only in cold weather, but mostly by coughing and sneezing. The ways to protect yourself from this disease are as follows;
- It is necessary to stay away from crowded places as much as possible.
- Care should be taken to use masks when using public transportation.
- Care should be taken to eat a healthy diet to strengthen the immune system.
- Foods containing vitamin C should be consumed.
- Pay attention to personal hygiene rules.
- Mouth and nose should be covered during coughing and sneezing.
- The sick person should rest at home.
- Vaccination should be done.
What should be done when the flu is transmitted?
There are some methods that should be applied to protect against the flu. Despite the application of protection methods, the virus can infect people due to different situations. What to do in such cases is as follows;
Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits: Foods rich in vitamin C content that will strengthen immunity are consumed. Foods with this rich content; fruits such as tangerines, oranges, lemons, grapefruits. Along with these; vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, green pepper, can be preferred.
Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids contributes to overcoming the disease. When the fluid is not taken, the tissues dry out more and the virus is more easily attached to the mouth and nose.
Eat a regular and healthy diet: Immunity needs to be strengthened to overcome the disease. Omega 3, calcium, minerals should be taken. Along with these, consuming herbal teas is also effective in overcoming the disease early.
Stop smoking: Smoking prolongs the recovery time. Therefore, it is important to quit smoking.
Try to rest: The immune system needs to be strengthened. Therefore, resting in bed is very important. Rest shortens the recovery time of the disease.
Use medication responsibly: Painkillers, antipyretics and cold medicines can be used under expert supervision. The use of antibiotics should also be under expert supervision.