How to protect yourself from the flu: simple tips for every day

Bavnews.am writes. Influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases. Every year, this virus infects up to 10% of the world's population and can cause serious complications, especially in the cold season. How to determine the first symptoms of the disease and when it is optimal to get vaccinated, URA.ru asked infectious disease doctor Vladimir Kharitonov.

What complications can the flu cause?

Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by viruses of types A, B and C. They are highly variable, so immunity against influenza is unstable. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets and is contagious.

According to Dr. Vladimir Kharitonov, one of the bad sides of the flu is that it can cause serious complications.

"The most common of these are pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis, and myocarditis. It is especially severe in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with chronic diseases. Death, unfortunately, is also not uncommon. Every year, 290,000–650,000 people die from influenza worldwide."

At first glance, influenza is similar to other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), but it has characteristic differences:

"The flu begins acutely, while ARVI develops moderately."

– In the case of influenza, the temperature usually rises above 38 °C and lasts more than 2 days. With ARVI, the temperature very rarely rises to 38 °C.

"In the case of the flu, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, sweating, chills, and dry cough are clearly felt. With SARS, these symptoms are less pronounced; a runny nose and itching are more common."

"Self-medication for the flu is unacceptable," warns Kharitonov. "If you suspect that you have the flu, be sure to consult a doctor. He will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe antiviral therapy, which will alleviate the course of the disease and reduce the risk of complications."

The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated . You should get vaccinated once a year, as immunity lasts no more than 12 months and the virus is constantly mutating.

"The optimal time for vaccination is from September to November, before the onset of seasonal flu. Immunity is formed within 2-3 weeks after vaccination," the doctor notes.

Vaccinations are especially recommended for high-risk groups such as children over 6 months of age, adults over 60, pregnant women at any stage, people with lung, heart, kidney, liver, endocrine system, obesity, medical workers, teachers, students, transport and service workers.

“Modern vaccines are well tolerated and provide effective protection,” says Vladimir. “Even if a vaccinated person gets the flu, they will tolerate it mildly and without complications. So don’t neglect vaccinations, especially if you are at risk.”

How else can you protect yourself from the flu?

In addition to vaccination, there are a number of other measures to prevent the flu.

Doctors recommend washing hands with soap more often, especially after visiting the street and public transportation, using contraindications, rinsing the nose with saline solution, avoiding crowded places during the epidemic, wearing a mask in transport and stores, regularly ventilating rooms, and disinfecting rooms frequently.

Vladimir Kharitonov also recommended eating more citrus fruits , as they have the highest content of vitamin C. In addition, don't neglect garlic and ginger.

How to behave after the flu

"After getting sick with the flu, pay due attention to rehabilitation. Even after the symptoms disappear, the body is still weakened and prone to other infections. I recommend staying in bed for another 2-3 days after the temperature normalizes, drinking more fluids, taking vitamins, and not forgetting to ventilate the room, rest, and sleep longer."

Give your body time to fully recover from the flu. Don't try to jump right into action, be patient. A gentle regimen and proper diet will help you recover faster and avoid catching a new infection against the backdrop of a weakened immune system.