Influenza (flu) can be the first sign of an illness that something is wrong with your body. Some people overlook the first symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, body aches and fatigue. They try to treat it as a simple allergy and by the time they seek medical attention, it’s already something more serious, like pneumonia.
The flu can be harmless, but when it persists it can incapacitate you with symptoms of prostration, fever, malaise and a lot of runny nose.
The main concern in these cases is not to find the etiologic agent that is causing the flu, but to treat the symptoms. Ideally, the symptoms should disappear in less than 7 days.
However, when going through a COVID-19 epidemic, much is already known about how to prevent influenza and treat it quickly. From vaccination to small habits that can reduce the impact on your health.
Here are some ways to prevent and reduce the impact of the flu.
Maintain body temperature
Due to the weather, the seasons can change from winter to summer within minutes. Therefore, this variation can lead to an increase in body temperature as a way of balancing the temperature, culminating in a cold in a short time, so it is necessary to wrap up warm and try to be in environments that have a temperature close to the human body, between 77 ºF and 95 ºF so as not to facilitate the flu.
Vaccination is important
Getting vaccinated for the flu every year can reduce the impact of the disease, especially for those who are most exposed to it, such as health professionals, the elderly and people with immunosuppressive and chronic diseases. Get vaccinated to reduce the chances of infection and its more serious forms.
Invest in healthy food
Food is an important basis for immunity, so it’s worth consuming a variety of Vitamin C such as fruit and vegetables to make your body more resistant to viral infections.
Constant hydration
Drinking water helps prevent a number of illnesses and ailments. However, especially in the case of the flu, water lubricates the respiratory mucous membranes and prevents micro-organisms from invading the body.Â
Avoid contact with infected people
Keep your distance from people, especially those who are coughing or sneezing. If possible, don’t leave the house or if you do and your immunity is compromised, wear a mask and alcohol gel.
Take extra care with hygiene
One way of keeping the flu in the body for longer is to re-contaminate it, so wash your hands thoroughly when you come into contact with public places, bathe frequently and change your bed linen, and keep your home hygienic to make it more difficult for people to stay infected.
Be immune to the flu every day
Is it possible to get the flu even if you take these precautions? Yes, it is still possible, because each year the viral strains acquire resistance and it is still possible that they will use these little beings to wage war, so powerful are they.
But by taking these Habits, you can mitigate the lethal effects of the viruses and also educate yourself in the event of a pandemic.
Above all, keep your airways clean and humidified, eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants and exercise regularly.
Staying away from sick people may not be possible, but keep a certain distance, wash your hands constantly and it’s not rude to tell someone you don’t want to get close to them, but a matter of common sense.
It can be concluded that taking care of your health can be a habit in order to avoid many illnesses and the possibility of having low immunity to fight disease.