We are in the final stretch of the year and with it the temperature drops. You are more likely to catch colds and illnesses such as flu. Learn to prevent yourself and take care of your health. In this note we tell you how to protect yourself from infections.
How can you prevent the flu?
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that spreads through droplets produced when coughing or sneezing.. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated.
In addition to the vaccine, there are other steps you can take to help prevent the flu, such as:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coming into contact with someone who is sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with your forearm.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting others.
In particular, the following people are at increased risk of serious complications from the flu:
- Children under 5 years
- Adults over 65 years of age
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
How to maintain health?
The health It is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. To maintain good health, it is important to follow a series of healthy habits, both physical and mental.
Healthy physical habits
- Healthy diet: Diet is one of the most important factors for health. A healthy diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Regular physical activity: It is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening bones and muscles, and improving mood. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
- Personal hygiene: It is important to prevent the spread of diseases. It is recommended to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coming into contact with someone who is sick.
- Weight control: Excess weight and obesity are risk factors for many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It is important to maintain a healthy weight by following a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical exercise.
- Give up smoking: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause a number of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, liver cirrhosis, and mental health problems. It is important to limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
How to avoid getting the flu at home?
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as door handles, tables, and toys.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks or personal items.
- If you are sick, wear a mask when around other people.
If someone in your household is already sick:
- Keep the sick person isolated from the rest of the family as much as possible.
- If necessary, isolate the patient in a room with adequate ventilation.
- Wash and disinfect surfaces and objects that the patient touches frequently.
- Do not share food, drinks or personal items with the sick person.
- If you have to care for someone who is sick, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask over your mouth and nose.
How to prevent the flu at school?
Some steps schools can take to help prevent the flu:
- Offer flu shots to students and staff.
- Promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette among students and staff.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Avoid overcrowding in classrooms and other areas of the school.
How to cure the flu quickly and easily?
The flu usually lasts 7 to 10 days, but can last up to 2 weeks in some cases. There are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
The following tips can help you cure the flu quickly and easily:
- Rest: Rest is essential for your body to recover from the flu. Try to sleep 7 to 8 hours each night.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Clear liquids, such as water, fruit juice, and soup, are best.
- Take over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve symptoms such as fever, pain, and congestion.
- Use a humidifier: May help relieve nasal congestion.
- Take a hot bath: It can help relieve sore muscles.
- Use a vaporizer: A vaporizer can help clear your airways.
If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms, see a doctor.
Some home remedies that can help relieve flu symptoms are:
- Ginger tea: It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help relieve congestion and sore throat.
- Lemon and honey: Lemon and honey are a traditional cough remedy.
- Apple vinager: May help relieve nasal congestion.
- Steam inhalations: Steam inhalations can help clear the airways.
What is the best vitamin to avoid the flu?
The best vitamin to avoid the flu is vitamin C. It is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of diseases).
Studies have shown that vitamin C can help reduce the risk of getting the flu. One study found that people who took vitamin C supplements were 40% less likely to get the flu than people who didn’t take supplements.
Other vitamins that can help strengthen the immune system and therefore can help prevent the flu, include:
- Vitamin D: Helps regulate the immune system. People with low levels of vitamin D are at higher risk of infections.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps maintain the health of mucous membranes, which are the body’s first line of defense against infection.
- Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that helps boost the immune system.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking any vitamin supplements.
*Text created with the support of Bard
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