In these periods, when we left the known summer season behind and when diseases such as nasal congestion, sore throat, weakness and fever occur, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system and to strengthen the immune system during the daytime temperature change. from Memorial Etiler Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, to take the necessary measures. Dr. Haluk Mumcuoğlu gave information about the diseases caused by seasonal changes and the ways of protection. How to strengthen the immune system? What to do to keep the immune system strong? Here are the steps and suggestions you can do to keep the immune system strong during the seasonal transitions!
In these days when the weather starts to get cold and the winter months are approaching, people, like nature, need to prepare and harmonize with these harsh conditions. The body has difficulty in adapting to this situation and sometimes cannot keep up with the change due to the sudden changes in air temperature and humidity in the middle of the night and day, as well as the change in nutritional status and content. In cases where this harmony cannot be achieved, the immune system weakens and various diseases occur. Infectious diseases are among the most common diseases.
Use Correct Medicines in the Treatment of Influenza and Pneumonia!
Infectious diseases are among the most common ailments in winter. These; as well as lower respiratory tract infections involving the lungs, bronchi and trachea; There may be upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, otitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis, which have a relatively mild course. Antibiotic treatment is of no use in viral infections, which constitute the majority of the factors that cause these disorders. In addition, there are many short and long-term losses in terms of individual and community health. In bacterial infections, it is very valuable to administer the correct antibiotic in real form (such as oral, intravenous or intramuscular injection) in the real time.
It is very valuable to apply to the health institution before it is too late, as soon as the complaints about the disease begin, in order to determine the causative agent of the infection and to give the appropriate treatment. Unnecessary and unconscious use of drugs can cause more serious diseases.
Take Precautions Against Flu and Pneumonia Diseases with Vaccine!
Since the flu virus is a virus that changes itself every year due to its structure, the content of the vaccines used against the flu also changes every year. Therefore, the flu vaccine should be repeated in the middle of September-November every year, but it should not be forgotten that it can be done until the end of March. The protection of this vaccine is in the middle of 60-85%, and the protection of the vaccine decreases with age. Although the vaccine is not 100% active in preventing the disease, it both provides a milder recovery of the disease and reduces the rates of complications and death due to the flu. Mild symptoms such as flu can be observed that develop 6-12 hours after vaccination and resolve within 1-2 days. Not that;
-Children under the age of 6 months,
-Pregnant women in the first 3 months of pregnancy,
-People who are known to be allergic to the vaccine or vaccine content, to those who are not suitable for live virus vaccination, and because of some special medical conditions, they are vaccinated by their doctors. The flu vaccine should not be given to people who are not deemed appropriate to be vaccinated.
Don’t Underestimate Lung Infection Once in 5 Years Pneumonia Vaccine is a must!
Pneumonia; It is a lung tissue infection that manifests itself with symptoms of fever, cough, sputum and shortness of breath. Atypical bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine is the vaccine against the pneumococcal bacteria that most commonly causes pneumonia.
- Those over the age of 65,
- Those with chronic lung, heart and kidney disease,
- Those who have a disease that weakens the immune system or those who use drugs for this purpose (psoriasis, some rheumatic diseases). diseases),
- Cirrhosis patients, those who do not have a congenital spleen or those whose spleen cannot function,
- Some cancer patients,
- Organ transplant patients,
- HIV positive patients ,
- Patients with certain bone marrow diseases should definitely get pneumococcal vaccine. The protection of this vaccine is 60-65%, and patients who need to be re-vaccinated should be vaccinated every 5 years.
Attention to Sudden Temperature Changes to Strengthen the Immune System!
In these days of sudden temperature changes, care should be taken to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Adequate and stable diet is extremely valuable in preventing infections. Each batch of food must be fed consistently and adequately. Adequate fluid consumption is as valuable as a healthy and stable diet. Even if there is no feeling of thirst, 1.5 – 2 liters of liquid should be consumed. Body resistance is maintained with repetitive systematic exercises.
On average, 6-8 hours of quality sleep a day keeps the immune system strong and reduces the risk of getting diseases. Hand hygiene should be paid attention to prevent diseases, hands should be washed frequently to prevent contamination. Avoiding heavy tension that weakens the immune system is also a valuable factor in protection from diseases.
