With the arrival of December and the temperature decreasecolds and other viral respiratory diseases increase, such as flu, caused by influenza viruses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 10% and 20% of the world’s population is infected every year. In addition, it is estimated that the flu causes between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths per year due to respiratory infections directly related to the virus. The virus circulation period from November to March, although cases can also be registered from October to the end of April.
Although both common cold and flu are caused by respiratory viruses, they are different conditions. Santana Gemina, nurse Clinic Barcelona Hospitalhe explains: “Unlike the flu, the cold is not usually fever, and generalized pains are less frequent.” The flu, on the other hand, is suddenly presented with high fever, intense muscle pains, headache, nasal congestion and even difficulty breathing. The most affected areas are the nose, the throat, the bronchi and, in some cases, the lungs.
Unlike the flu, the cold is not usually fever, and generalized pains are less frequent
There are three variants of the influenza virus, and therefore of the flu: A, B and C. Types A and B are responsible for producing epidemics; Type A usually causes more severe epidemics, while type B generates more focused outbreaks. Instead, type C causes minor infections, with few symptoms, and is detected less frequently. People with the greatest risk of infected and develop complications are pregnant women, children under five, people over 65 years old, and people with the immune system committed or with pre -existing diseases. The transmission of the virus is very simple, since it spreads through drops that are emitted when coughing, sneezing or speaking.
The infection is transmitted from person to person when these drops reach the mouth, nose or eyes of another person, or when their hands come into contact with surfaces contaminated by these drops. If contaminated hands touch the eyes, nose or mouth, an indirect infection occurs. An adult person can spread the virus from a day before the beginning of the symptoms and up to three or seven days later. Therefore, it is essential to extreme the preventive measures To avoid contagion. Washing your hands frequently, wearing disposable scarves and covering your mouth when sneezing are basic practices.
The most effective prevention measure is annual vaccination, since it reduces the risk of infection between 40% and 60%. In addition, in case of contracting the virus, symptoms They are usually milder. This type of vaccine is administered every year due to the high variability of the virus, which forces to update its composition to adapt to the new strains. Experts recommend vaccinating before the start of the flu season, since the organism needs time to generate an effective immune response. “From the moment you vaccinate, you need at least 15 days so you can make an immune response,” explains Dr. Antoni Trilla, an epidemiologist at the Clinic Barcelona Hospital.
Vaccination is especially recommended to the most vulnerable groups, such as people over 60 years, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, premature children, children and adolescents with prolonged treatment with acetylsalicylic acid and institutionalized people in a prolonged way . It is also essential that those who coexist with these groups, such as health personnel, employees of geriatric institutions, people who provide home care and students in practices in care environments be emptied.
A flu that is not complicated, is treated at home. There is no proper treatment
Infected or suspected people may be contributing to stop the spread of the virus. It is essential that those who have a mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using single -use scarves and discarding them immediately in a bin. It is also important to wash your hands with soap and water or use hydroalcoholic gel after sneezing or getting into contact with respiratory secretions. You should also avoid touching the eyes and nose with your hands without disinfecting, since they are common transmission routes. In case of visiting a health care center, it is essential to carry surgical mask.
In general, the fever caused by the flu lasts between two and three days, while the feeling of tiredness can be extended up to two weeks. Dr. Anna Llupià, a specialist in Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology at the Clinic Barcelona Hospital, explains that there is no specific remedy to cure the flu and that “a flu that is not complicated, is treated at home.” In that sense, he adds that “what the body asks you to rest, a balanced diet and be well hydrated.” In the most severe cases, antivirals can be used, but never antibiotics. The flu causes a virus, and not a bacterium.
#Tips #avoid #flu #spread
