Influenza is a health problem that can usually be overcome in 1-2 weeks with the right treatment. However, in people with weak immunity, complications can progress and lead to life-threatening situations. A number of measures that people will take in daily life will create a protective shield against the flu. It occurs especially with symptoms of runny nose and nasal congestion. Symptoms can be alleviated with some methods to be applied at home. People in the risk group and patients with severe symptoms should definitely consult a doctor.
What is Influenza?
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. The flu, called influenza in medical language, is caused by a group of viruses that settle in the throat and lungs. The flu usually goes away in a short time with medicines, herbal teas and nutritional supplements. However, in some patients with risk factors, the condition can become serious and fatal. For this reason, people with risk factors should definitely see a doctor and receive treatment.
People in the risk group in terms of flu complications are as follows:
- Children under 5 years of age (especially under 2 years of age)
- People over 65 years of age
- Women who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 2 weeks
- Immunocompromised people
- People with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease
Influenza causes epidemics almost every winter season. This virus structure is difficult to predict and changes every year. Therefore, people struggle with new strains of the virus every year. Influenza can cause mild respiratory diseases as well as serious infections.
What Causes Influenza?
Influenza is among the infectious diseases. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory tract and contact. The person with flu mixes flu viruses into the air during coughing, sneezing and talking. Healthy individuals exposed to this air can be infected with the flu virus. People who are not immune to the influenza virus get the flu within a few days. It is much easier to spread in closed and airless environments. The virus, which persists in the outdoor environment for 2-8 hours, can infect hundreds of people in community areas. One of the reasons for the spread of the disease is that sick people touch common areas such as door handles, stair handles and tables. Not washing hands frequently also causes transmission of the flu virus during handshaking and close contact.
What are the Symptoms of Influenza?
Influenza usually develops with mild symptoms in healthy individuals and young people. Influenza often manifests itself with a runny nose, other common symptoms are as follows:
- High fever
- Cough
- Cough-induced vomiting
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Prolonged fatigue and weakness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
Influenza that does not heal for a long time can lead to diseases such as sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia (pneumonia) if left untreated. Pneumonia in people in the risky disease group has serious effects on other diseases.
How Does Flu Pass? What are the Treatment Methods?
Flu can be cured by applying various treatment methods depending on the severity of the virus. Keeping the immune system strong during the treatment process is an important factor that helps recovery. At the same time, getting a flu vaccine during seasonal transitions can provide protection against viruses that will cause an epidemic.
Nasal spray and vitamin supplements are generally recommended for flu treatment. If deemed necessary by the doctor, antiviral drugs may also be used.
What is good for flu?
People suffering from influenza should pay attention to adequate and regular nutrition to speed up the healing process and alleviate the symptoms of the disease. The body of people with flu needs more energy than the body of a healthy individual. In order to give the body the energy it needs, a nutrition plan rich in vitamins, minerals and protein should be created. Since flu can cause fluid loss, it will be beneficial to consume 2-3 liters of water a day.
Consuming foods rich in vitamin C is good for flu. Vitamins in pill form used outside the doctor's advice should not be preferred. Foods containing high amounts of vitamin C are as follows; kiwi, rosehip, grapefruit, lemon, orange, tangerine, pomegranate, green pepper, tomato, parsley.
Herbal methods such as ginger tea and lemon tea can also alleviate flu symptoms.
When to see a doctor for flu?
People with the following symptoms should consult a doctor immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent fever
- Persistent cough
- Vomiting
- Pain sensation when swallowing
- Permanent obstruction
- Persistent headache
People may be experiencing an illness with symptoms similar to flu. If the symptoms become increasingly severe and the fever does not decrease, you should definitely consult a doctor.
What are Flu Prevention Methods?
- Washing hands frequently with plenty of water and soap will prevent the spread of viruses.
- In cases where hands are not washed for a long time, the face, eyes and mouth should not be touched.
- Avoiding closed, stuffy environments for long periods of time will reduce contact with sick people.
- Covering the mouth and nose with a handkerchief during coughing and sneezing is a precautionary measure to avoid transmitting the virus to others.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Personal items such as towels and glasses used by people with flu should not be shared.
- People who have the flu can wear a mask to prevent the infection from spreading to others. At the same time, people who are in the same environment with patients should also wear masks.
- Closed environments should not be left stuffy.
- It is very important to dress according to the weather change and to eat healthy.
- The most important way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine.
Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is the most effective protection against the flu. Since the flu virus changes every year, the flu vaccine only provides protection for one year. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals at risk get their flu vaccine before the flu outbreak. Since the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases are in the risk group, it is vital that they get a flu vaccine. In our country, flu vaccines are administered free of charge to people in the risk group. The flu vaccine has no significant side effects. The viruses in the vaccines administered in our country are not live, so there is no risk of disease. In addition to the people below, it can be applied to anyone who wants to have it.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
- Children under 5 years of age (can be administered from the 6th month)
- Women during pregnancy
- People with chronic diseases
- People aged 50 and over
- Residents in a care home
- Those working in the field of health
- People living with people in the high-risk patient group
Can I get the flu vaccine after getting the flu?
Vaccination of people who have the flu does not show its effect in treatment. There is no problem for people who have a cold to get a flu vaccine.