Influenza, which enters the human body through breathing and causes outbreaks, affects almost 5 percent of the world’s population each year, according to the World Health Organization. When should I get the flu shot? What’s the effect?
Mistakes in the treatment of influenza increase this rate and invite different diseases. Experts made important statements about this disease, listing the mistakes made in the treatment process.
Flu can be overcome slightly if immune resistance is strong
Influenza virus that causes flu; it can be easily transmitted by sneezing or coughing of sick or carriers. People who have contracted the virus but do not yet have significant complaints, in other words, carriers, can also transmit the disease.
If the person’s immune resistance is strong, he can also survive the flu with a slight fever and weakness and a dry cough that lasts for several days. Since these people do not leave the work and social environment, the virus can easily infect others.
Drugs taken within the first 24 hours make it easy to get rid of the flu
As can be understood from the saying that “if the flu is treated, it will pass in a week, if not in 7 days”, this disease can also be cured on its own. In addition to bed rest in flu infection, treatments are also applied to alleviate complaints when necessary. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs can be given and painkillers can be used to relieve muscle or joint pain.
Some new drugs are also taken within 24-48 hours of the onset of the first symptoms, making it easier to get rid of the flu. For most people with a strong immune system, even 5-7 days of bed rest and abundant fluid intake is enough.
Unnecessary antibiotics should be avoided
There is a misconception among the public that antibiotics have an effect on flu infection. However, since antibiotics have an effect on bacteria, they do not provide any benefit in the treatment of influenza. Moreover, they can have harmful effects. Our respiratory system also contains beneficial bacteria.
Antibiotics used indiscriminately can destroy these bacteria, which are tasked with expeding harmful microbes from our bodies. As a result, viruses can easily enter our body and cause various diseases. Therefore, antibiotics should never be taken without the recommendation of a physician.
When the flu is left untreated, it can cause pharyngitis, sinusitis and middle ear inflammation
This disease can turn into laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and middle ear inflammation if not observed. It can be the cause of about 30-35 of the middle ear inflammations seen in children in autumn and winter.
More importantly, it’s not the first time we’ve life-threatening or fatal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, brain and muscle inflammation can also occur. Therefore, it is very important that people at risk in particular get a flu shot before the epidemic season.
The best time for a flu vaccine is September and October
The flu vaccine is made from inactivated influenza viruses or antigens. After the flu vaccine is administered, the immune system creates antibodies against the inactive virus in the vaccine. Then, when faced with the active virus, pre-formed antibodies prevent the formation of infection or reduce the risk of severe disease.
The flu vaccine must be given before the outbreak begins. For the effect of the vaccine to appear, a period of roughly 2-3 weeks is needed. Therefore, the best time for flu vaccination is in autumn, especially September and October…
10 things to do to avoid the flu
Upper respiratory tract infections such as flu and colds also increase during the seasons when sudden weather changes are intense.
With simple measures and vaccines taken, it is actually possible to survive the winter without the flu. Internal Medicine experts who said that it is absolutely necessary to strengthen the immune system explained ways to protect against flu.
Start your day with a nice breakfast
It is very important to start each new day with a regular breakfast. Especially for breakfast, foods such as eggs and cheese with quality proteins should be on your plate.
Exercise regularly
Keep up with the light-paced, 4-5 times a week for an average of 30 to 45 minutes of exercise and have a sports lifestyle.
Consume enough water
Make sure to increase your decreased liquid consumption with the cooling of the air. Drinks such as tea and coffee are no substitute for water and even lead to an increased need for water that your body needs. Therefore, do not wait for thirst to drink water. Take care to drink 10-12 glasses of water every day and make it a habit for 4 seasons.
Pay attention to hygiene
Frequent hand washing with soap and water in preventing the occurrsion of flu and flu, washing the hand before taking it to the head area such as mouth and nose after touching the infected material is very important in preventing infection.
Take care to eat fruits and vegetables
Consume fresh vegetables and fruits that come to market according to the season in sufficient quantities and diversification. Keep vegetables and fruits such as eggplant, carrots, spinach, green beans, red pepper, cauliflower, celery, oranges, pomegranates, grapefruits, quinces, pears, apples, kiwis from your tables.
Consume fish 3 times a week
Take care of enough Omega-3 intake for your immune system. Omega-3 consumption strengthens your immune system. Eating fish 2-3 times a week and consuming 2 whole walnuts in any intermediate meal every day will contribute to health and happiness.
If there is not enough Omega-3 intake, Omega-3 supplementation can be taken at the recommendation of a specialist physician. Protein intake also strengthens the immune system. Eggs are the strongest protein. Consume 3-4 days a week if you find it natural.
Get adequate and quality sleep
Those who sleep irregularly are more easily infected, especially as children’s body resistance is weakened. In order for the brain, liver, lungs and even muscles to function smoothly, they need to be able to control temperature and release hormones. Sleep deprivation makes it difficult for the body to do these things.
Get a flu shot
Be sure to consult your doctor before getting a flu shot. It is especially recommended that the elderly, children and those with chronic diseases get a flu shot. The flu vaccine encourages the immune system to work. With the vaccine, your body teaches you how to recognize the virus and fight the virus.
Avoid unnecessary drug use
Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily is dangerous to your health and increases your resistance to antibiotics. Do not use unnecessary antibiotics without a doctor’s recommendation.
Stay away from stress or try to manage stress
When stressed, the body produces substances to eliminate stress and destabilizes and collapses the immune system. That’s why we all get sick more often during stress periods.