Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain and fatigue. Although influenza does not usually cause serious health problems, its prevalence can still have a significant impact on society and patients. The key to preventing influenza is to strengthen your immunity and adjust your lifestyle. This article will provide you with practical suggestions to reduce the risk of infection and keep healthy.
First, understand the transmission route
of influenza.
Influenza viruses are mainly transmitted in the following ways:
Airborne: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the released droplets can fly directly into the surrounding population. If a healthy person inhales these droplets, he may be infected with influenza.
contact transmission: Influenza viruses can also attach to surfaces, such as doorknobs, desktops, mobile phones, etc. If people touch these contaminated objects and then touch their faces, they may cause infection.
Close contact: Direct contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands and hugging, may also lead to the spread of influenza.
2. Vaccination
Influenza
vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza.
Know the types of vaccines: There are three main types of influenza vaccines: inactivated vaccine (injection), recombinant vaccine (injection) and live attenuated nasal vaccine (nasal spray). Different types of vaccines are suitable for different populations.
Timely vaccination: The best vaccination time is autumn every year, especially before the arrival of influenza season. After vaccination, it usually takes two weeks to produce immune effect, so it is very important to vaccinate as early as possible.
Herd immunity: Influenza vaccination can not only protect the health of individuals, but also form herd immunity. Especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases, vaccination is particularly important for their protection.
Third, enhance immunity
. Eat
a balanced
diet A
moderate caloric diet is essential for maintaining good health. Make sure you eat enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts and leafy green vegetables, help boost the immune system.
Exercise
in moderation
Regular physical exercise can enhance cardiopulmonary function and improve the body’s immunity. It is recommended that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is closely related to immune function. Adults should ensure seven to nine hours of good sleep every night to help the body recover and promote the production of immune cells.
Maintain mental health
High levels of
stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to a decline in immunity. To maintain a good psychological state, moderate relaxation, meditation, yoga or communication with friends and family are all effective ways to relieve stress.
IV. Good Living Habits
Maintain good personal hygiene
. Washing hands
frequently is an effective measure to prevent influenza. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after returning from an outing.
Try to avoid touching the face with your hands, especially the eyes, mouth and nose, to prevent pathogens from entering the body.
Maintain good environmental hygiene
Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in the home, such as tables, doorknobs, keyboards, etc., to reduce the survival time of the virus in the environment.
During the season of high incidence of influenza, keeping the living and working environment well ventilated can help reduce the chance of virus transmission in the air.
Avoid close contact
with sick people. Try to avoid crowded public places during the
flu season. If someone around you is sick, especially those with obvious flu symptoms, try to keep a distance and remind them to pay attention to personal hygiene.
Wear a mask
at the right time
In public places, especially during the influenza season, masks can be worn to reduce the inhalation of possible pathogens, especially in closed and poorly ventilated environments, the protection of masks is particularly important.
5. Seek medical advice
in time
Recognize flu symptoms
Be aware of the symptoms of influenza and the common cold for early recognition. The general symptoms of influenza are obvious, accompanied by high fever, muscle pain, fatigue and so on.
Seek medical help
Once influenza symptoms occur, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Especially for high-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases, timely medical treatment can reduce the risk of complications.
Follow the medical supervision
If the doctor recommends taking anti-influenza drugs, be sure to take them on time according to the medical supervision. These drugs can effectively shorten the course of the disease and alleviate the symptoms.
End
Prevention of influenza depends not only on vaccination, but also on healthy lifestyle and good personal hygiene habits. By improving diet, increasing exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and developing good habits such as washing hands frequently, the body’s immune capacity can be significantly improved. Faced with the challenge of influenza, let us take the initiative to protect our own health and the health of others, and jointly promote a safe and healthy environment.
