Prevention, prescription treatment, and latest information
During winters, we often suffer from seasonal flu. Common viral infections like cold are more frequently experienced than flu. Common cold starts gradually and comes and goes within a few days, without any serious harm. But the flu strikes quickly with more severe symptoms, and it might make you feel really ill. By adapting to some healthy habits and with medications and vaccines, you can combat and prevent seasonal flu. Let’s discuss more about the flu and cold, how to prevent and when to seek medical care.
What is Flu?
Influenza, also known as flu, is a communicable viral infection that affects the lower and upper respiratory tracts. Generally, it is seen in winters and early spring. It can appear like a mild infection in healthy people, and they recover fully within a few days. But in high-risk people, it might get complicated. This high-risk group includes young children, older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people. These may develop secondary infections resulting in more complications.
Symptoms of Flu and Cold
Flu and cold generally spread through droplet infection when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through contaminated surfaces when you touch such a surface followed by your mouth, nose, and eyes. Symptoms of cold include stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, headache, and fever. Cold generally affects only the airways, but flu affects the entire body. During a cold, you start feeling better within a week; the cough may last a bit longer.
Symptoms of flu are;
Younger kids may also have nausea and vomiting. If you think you are suffering from the flu, it is better to consult a doctor. If you have any underlying medical condition, the risk of developing complications is more. Talking to your doctor and taking the right medications can help you recover from the flu.
Prevention
The most effective preventive measure to protect yourself and others from the flu is to stop it from spreading – by washing your hands frequently and throwing away used tissues. Here are ten tips to keep yourself healthy during this flu season;
1. Wash Your Hands Often
Washing your hands thoroughly often can help you prevent the spread of infection. According to studies, regular hand-washing and good hygienic habits were associated with a reduced risk of influenza infection (1). Washing your hands with soap and water is an effective way of keeping your hands germ-free. While washing, rub your hands with soap for 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly.
2. Use Hand Sanitizer When Needed
When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can be used to clean your hands. Your hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol to sanitize your hands effectively (1). Low alcohol concentration or non-alcohol based hand sanitizers are generally not effective.
3. Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
Germs can live on contaminated surfaces for several hours to days. Regular cleaning of such surfaces can keep you safe. These surfaces include doorknobs, kitchen countertop, remotes, phones, light switches, etc. Use household disinfectants to clean these surfaces regularly.
4. Limit Your Exposure to Infected people
To avoid getting the flu, you should stay away from people who are sick. If you are having the flu, stay at home, and cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing, and throw the used tissues in a closed bin. Keep distance from other people to prevent the spread of the infection.
5. Get vaccinated
The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated every year. It is the only respiratory viral infection that can be prevented by a vaccine. The flu virus mutates every year; hence you need to take a flu shot every year. With some exceptions, the CDC recommends everyone from ages 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu (2). Yearly vaccination is important for people at high risk of developing serious complications from flu, like older adults or people suffering from immunocompromised conditions.
6. Boost Your Immunity
Enhance your body’s ability to fight against any infections by following a healthy lifestyle and adding the right nutrition to your diet. Some studies suggest that vitamin C may decrease the severity of flu and can also prevent them (3). Enhance your immunity by following a varied diet and by adding fresh vegetables and fruits. Get your daily vitamin C by including fruits and veggies like orange juice, citrus fruits, broccoli, and green peppers in your diet. Try to reduce your intake of added sugar like soda and candy, as it can impair your immune response.
7. Get Quality Sleep
As we know, a good night’s sleep is recommended as ?the best medicine? during any infectious disease. According to studies, effective immune cells are at a peak during nocturnal sleep. Sleep promotes the movement of T cells and their possible redistribution to lymph nodes (4). With this evidence, we can say adequate sleep is essential for good immunity against infections like the flu.
8. Exercise Regularly
Exercise not only helps you to reduce weight and stress, it also helps to enhance your immunity. Research suggests that regular exercise can improve vaccination response, increase T-cells, and support the natural killer cells’ function in the immune system. It also lowers levels of the inflammatory cytokines that can lead to age-related health problems (5). Regular exercise can greatly help you to build strong immunity and avoid getting frequent cold and flu.
9. Stay Hydrated
Don’t forget to drink enough water this flu season, as it is essential for maintaining good health and immunity. Increased water intake helps to flush out toxins and ward off illnesses. Increased water intake can help you stay healthy and reduce the chances of getting infected with the flu. When you feel sick, drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration caused by fever, it also helps to loosen mucus and keeps your throat moist. Drinking warm liquid can also help you feel better.
10. Seek Medical Help When Needed
If you are facing flu symptoms and the symptoms are progressing, then seek medical help immediately. Taking over-the-counter medications can help you feel better. Consulting a doctor is essential if you have any underlying medical condition and are on medication.
What to do When you Experience Cold and Flu Symptoms?
If you experience any cold and flu symptoms, you can take over-the-counter medications to feel better. But, if you have health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you should check with a doctor.
Some of the suggested medicines are;
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Nasal decongestant for stuffy nose
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Expectorants for loosening the mucus
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Antihistamines can relieve runny nose and sneezing
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Analgesics to relieve headache and other body pain
Some of these medications can cause drowsiness. Eat well and take enough rest to help your body fight against these infections.
Final Words
Flu is a contagious infection that mainly affects the lungs and throat. During weak immunity, it may result in various health complications. Flu can be prevented by following certain basic hygiene rules and healthy habits that can enhance your immunity. Follow the guidelines as mentioned above to decrease your chances of contracting the flu virus.