Influenza manifests itself frequently in the winter season. Due to the structural changes that occur in influenza A and B types that cause influenza over time, the human body may catch the flu again as if encountering a new virus every year. Influenza viruses can cause infectious diseases in humans and animals. It can cause both seasonal epidemics and pandemics with the flu disease it causes. It should not be forgotten that influenza is an important respiratory tract infection. Associate Professor from Memorial Antalya Hospital, Department of Ear Nose and Throat Diseases. Dr. İsmail Önder Uysal told what should be known about influenza.
Spreads easily in confined spaces
Influenza causes transmission when the viruses in the droplets emitted during sneezing, coughing and even speaking of patients cling to the respiratory tract of other people. Since these viruses can survive especially in low temperature and humidity, infections are mostly seen between December and April. Droplets responsible for the spread of infection can remain in the air for several hours. Therefore, the spread of the flu is easier, especially in closed areas such as schools, dormitories, workplaces, and in public transport. The virus can easily spread as a result of the infected people transmitting the virus to places such as door handles, telephones, keyboards, or by shaking hands and contacting their hands with their mouth, eyes and nose by getting the virus from there.
Influenza symptoms are as follows;
- High fever (38-41°C) that starts concurrently with other symptoms after an incubation period of 1-4 days
- chill
- Shake
- Headache
- Muscle-joint pains
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Throat ache
- dry cough
- runny nose
can be life threatening
Most people recover spontaneously within 1 week without the need for any medical treatment. However, in infants under 2 years of age and those over 65 years of age with chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, diabetes or immunodeficiency, the infection may descend to the lungs and turn into lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. In such cases, the contagiousness can be more severe and even life-threatening.
It’s important to know the differences between influenza and the common cold
Influenza (influenza) and cold are two diseases that are often confused with each other. Both diseases are caused by different viruses. There are many different viruses that cause the common cold. Therefore, a person can catch a cold several times a year. While only the upper respiratory tract is affected in the flu, both the upper respiratory tract and the lungs can be affected in the flu. In addition, the flu is sometimes much more severe than the common cold. The biggest difference between them is that fever is seen more frequently in influenza and less frequently in colds. In addition, headache, weakness, fatigue, and dry cough are usually seen in influenza, while nasal congestion and sneezing are more common in colds.
Do not use antibiotics unnecessarily
Because influenza is a viral infection, antibiotics have no effect on the virus. Unnecessary use of antibiotics in influenza only causes bacterial resistance and delays treatment in bacterial infections. Antibiotics should only be used with the recommendation of a doctor if other infections (pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis) develop together with the flu. Various antiviral drugs are also available in the treatment of influenza. These should be used with the recommendation of a doctor according to the age group of the person, whether they have a chronic disease or not, and the severity of the infection. The most important part of the treatment is the strengthening of the immune system.
What to do to strengthen immunity
- To rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids (water, natural juices prepared at home, soups, herbal teas)
- Supplementing with vitamins C and D
- Use antipyretic if fever is high
Protect yourself as in the pandemic process
Since influenza is often transmitted by hand contact, it is important to wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Avoid shaking hands with sick people as much as possible. In addition, during the period when the nasal discharge is very intense, the patient should stay away from crowded places or wear a mask. In addition, the patient must prevent the spread of virus by covering his mouth and nose during sneezing. The patient’s personal items such as towels and glasses should not be shared. Again, not staying indoors for a long time during the winter months is also beneficial for protection. In addition, an important means of prevention is vaccination.
Influenza vaccine is especially recommended for these risk groups.
- People aged 50 and over
- All healthy children between 6 months and 59 months
- Pregnant (except the first 3 months of pregnancy)
- Those with a chronic disease (chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, hemoglobinopathy and immunodeficiency)
- People living in the same household with high-risk people and their caregivers
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
