Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The illness begins suddenly and usually lasts 7-10 days. Most people make a full recovery, but in the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems, the flu can be serious and even lead to death from complications.
The flu prevention is extremely important. Here are some simple tips to prevent the flu.
1. Flu shot
Many years ago there were not many vaccines against the flu. Only people at high risk should be vaccinated. The flu shot is recommended as the best way to avoid getting sick. Because the vaccine provides protection against seasonal flu caused by the strains contained in the vaccine, effectiveness begins 10-14 days after vaccination. The strains that cause seasonal flu are not the same each year, and that's why it's a good idea to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year, because the following year's flu vaccine often updates the previous year's pathogenic strains.
2. Wash your hands often with soap
Although hand washing cannot completely destroy pathogens, it is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent disease. If you can't wash your hands often with soap, you can still use quick hand sanitizer instead. In addition, when sneezing, runny nose or cough, you should use your elbow to cover it instead of your hand, to avoid infecting others.
3. Sanitize your home and workplace regularly
This is especially important if you share a co-working space with many other people. Pay attention to clean the places where many people come into contact with often such as desks, computer keyboards, etc.
4. Protect your nose and throat
The colder the air, the drier the nose will be. When the mucus in the nose dries, the ability to prevent bacteria and germs from entering the body through the respiratory tract of the cilia in the nose decreases. Therefore, you should wear a mask when going out and regularly moisten your nose by instilling moisturizing water for your nose or physiological saline. In addition, keeping the body moist is also a very good way to prevent the flu.
Do not wipe your nose, rub your eyes or put your hands in your mouth to avoid creating conditions for germs to easily enter the body. Every day gargling with warm salt water will protect the pharynx from infection, this is also an effective way to prevent disease.
5. Exercise regularly
Exercise increases the body's resistance to diseases in general and to colds in particular. When exercising, white blood cells will have to run more around the body to eliminate inflammatory agents. However, when you have a cold, you should rest, avoid overtraining, because the body is already tired.
6. Get enough sleep
For the body's immune system to be good, we need to combine eating, exercising and sleeping in a scientific and moderate manner. Getting enough sleep not only helps prevent colds but also helps a lot in other areas. Getting enough sleep during illness will also help patients recover faster.
7. Quitting smoking
Smoking reduces the body's immune function, making you more susceptible to disease than non-smokers. So if you're thinking of quitting smoking, do so as flu season approaches.