How and why we get the flu

Before delving into the subject in question, we need to know well what the flu is and how we can prevent the spread and spread of this disease, which in extreme cases can cause death in certain groups of people; either elderly or newborns.

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by a certain number of viruses that enter the body via the nose or mouth. It differs from the cold because the latter never causes a headache or fever and on the other hand the flu almost never causes stomach pain.

Unfortunately, in recent decades, flu strains have emerged that have caused major pandemics worldwide, such as bird flu and the swine flu.

In the case of bird flu, there is currently no vaccine for this disease. The causes of infection can be due to coming into contact with birds that are sick or through the consumption of poultry or eggs that are not well cooked.

Regarding the so-called swine flu, it does have a vaccine for its cure. It is named for a virus that pigs get. A strain of this virus spread in humans in 2009. The symptoms are similar to those of the common flu and include fever, cough, itchy throat, muscle pain, headache, fatigue and chills.

How to prevent contagion?

We already know what are the causes of the flu now we must focus on how to prevent the infection.

The best way is without doubt to apply the annual influenza vaccine, which can be applied after 6 months of life. The risk groups are also pregnant women and those over 65 years of age.

Other methods of prevention are without doubt:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
  • Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth as they are the means by which the virus spreads.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with influenza germs.
  • When coughing cover your nose and eyes with a paper towel and then throw it away.
  • Use alcohol in gel.

Medications to cure the flu, are they useful?

There is no single medicine to treat the flu beyond the vaccine. If a series of measures and precautions to avoid diminishing side effects such as for example nasal congestion. For this particular case saline spray is recommended.

In case of babies who can not get the vaccine, some pediatricians recommend using the humidifier to moisten the air in the baby's bedroom. When they are a little larger they can start taking the inevitable ibuprofen that would vary their quantities in milliliters depending on the age and weight of each child.

But in general rules, for the greatest number of cases, the best thing is for the person suffering from the flu to rest, and take a lot of water to hydrate well, maintain a life as healthy as possible, in case adults do not smoke Do not drink during the period of the illness that can last between one and two weeks.

Surely if they follow these tips the period of the influenza will pass faster than predicted and remain as healthy as before catching.

If you plan to get a flu shot, we advise you to find out more about what are the side effects of the flu vaccine. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesFlu

Influenza (Flu) (March 2024)