Winter is a high-prevalence epidemic (influenza) which is taking a heavy toll on people ‘ s health and lives. Understanding the prevention and treatment of influenza can help us better cope with it and reduce the harm caused by it.
Basic knowledge of influenza
Influenza is an acute respiratory epidemic caused by influenza viruses. Influenza viruses are highly contagious and are transmitted mainly through foam, such as those produced by patients coughing and sneezing, which can lead to infection if they are inhaled by the surroundings after short-range air transmission. In addition, mucous membranes, such as touching mouth and nose after exposure to the surface of a virus-contaminated object, may be contagious.
There are various types of influenza virus, including type A, type B and type C, where influenza virus A is highly variable and prone to large-scale epidemics. In case of influenza, there is usually a sudden onset of disease, with all-body symptoms such as high heat, headaches, lack of strength and muscular acid problems, accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as cough, snot and throat pain. These symptoms are more severe than common flu and have a relatively long recovery period.
Prevention of influenza
Vaccination
Inoculation against influenza is the most effective method of preventing influenza. Influenza vaccines can stimulate the human immune system to produce antibodies against influenza viruses, so that they can be quickly identified and defended when the virus invades. Every year, the World Health Organization predicts the influenza virus strain of the current year on the basis of global influenza surveillance and, accordingly, produces an influenza vaccine. Prioritization of influenza vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, chronically ill persons and medical personnel, public service providers and others, before the onset of the flu season each year, especially before winter. In general, people over six months of age can be vaccinated against influenza.
Daily protection
Maintaining good hygiene practices is essential. Hand-washing is key, with hand-washing using soap and mobile water, especially after exposure to public goods, before meals, etc., and for no less than 20 seconds, so as to effectively remove the virus that may be contaminated on hand. During the influenza pandemic, access to densely populated, air-traffic sites is minimized and, if necessary, masked.
Keeping indoor environments clean and ventilated can also reduce the spread of influenza viruses. There is regular daily ventilation through windows, keeping indoor air fresh and reducing the concentration of the virus in the room. At the same time, attention is paid to coughing and sneezing and to covering noses and noses with paper towels or elbows during coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of the virus by foam.
Increased self-immunization is also an important part of influenza prevention. A balanced diet with sufficient proteins, vitamins and minerals. For example, increased consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, lemons, broccoli, etc., contributes to increased immunity. Motion can promote blood circulation and metabolism and increase physical resistance, such as walking, running, yoga, etc. In addition, adequate sleep allows for adequate rest of the body and facilitates the proper functioning of the immune system.
Treatment of influenza
If, unfortunately, the flu is infested, do not panic. For patients with milder symptoms, the symptoms can usually be mitigated by rest, water, etc. Additional breaks allow the body to concentrate on fighting the virus, while adequate water intake helps to keep the respiratory mucous membranes wet, facilitates the discharge of sapling fluids and reduces throat pain.
In the case of heat, physical cooling, such as the use of warm water to wipe areas of large vascular abundance such as head, neck, armpit, groin, etc., can be used first if the body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C. When the temperature exceeds 38.5 °C, the accelerant can be used under the direction of a doctor, e.g. for acetaminophenol, Broven, etc.
If the symptoms are serious, such as continued high fever, severe coughing, breathing difficulties, mental disability, etc., timely medical treatment should be provided. Doctors may use anti-influenza virus drugs, such as Ostaway, depending on the condition. These drugs are more effective at the early stages of use after the onset of the disease and can effectively reduce the pathology, the symptoms and the risk of complications.
In short, the winter influenza epidemic, while relatively contagious and hazardous, can reduce its impact on our health through effective preventive measures and timely treatment, with safe passage through the high influenza season.
