Supplementing "EVERYTHING" about flu

According to the Ministry of Health: On average, each year the number of Vietnamese people hospitalized for flu is about 5000-8000 , however this number is only recorded in 3 big cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang. Of these, about 2% of people died due to severe complications of the disease. The changing seasons are also the time when flu outbreaks are stronger, the number of patients also increases.

Don't let yourself become one of the 5000-8000 patients above. Protect yourself by fully equipping yourself with knowledge about flu and how to prevent and fight this disease!

I. 5 things you need to know about the flu!

1. Even if you have been vaccinated, you can still get the flu.

Few people know that influenza virus strains change every year, so researchers can only track a few strains and develop vaccines to prevent them.

Current status of vaccination: Flu is caused by influenza viruses group A, B, C. Of which, influenza viruses group A, B are the cause of seasonal flu outbreaks; group C causes milder respiratory symptoms. Current flu vaccines can only help us avoid influenza viruses group A and B. This means: Even if you have been vaccinated, you can still get the flu!

Flu vaccine

2. “Pathways” for flu to spread

Flu is transmitted through the respiratory tract in two ways:

• Direct route through droplets when a patient sneezes
• Indirect transmission through contact: Rubbing hands and then touching eyes, nose or mouth

If you wear a mask and wash your hands with hand sanitizer regularly, you can completely "block" this transmission and infection route!

3. What are the signs that you have the flu?

If you have more than one of the following symptoms, you definitely have the flu: High fever (over 40°C); frequent chills; coughing, sneezing, runny nose; body fatigue, sore throat, muscle pain, headache; eyes sensitive to light; upset stomach.

Note: These symptoms will become apparent 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus. They will last 3-5 days.

4. Some ways to treat flu

If you have a mild cold, you can treat it at home. Here are some ways to treat the cold recommended by experts:

• Drink plenty of water: will help loosen phlegm, moisten the throat, reduce dry cough, prevent dehydration
• Should eat liquid foods: should eat a lot of liquid foods, fruit juice, lemon tea
• Get more rest: rest and energy help fight infection
• Humidify the surrounding air: it will help relieve sore throat.
• Regular nasal irrigation: use nasal spray to help clear the nose
• Choose some cold and flu medications such as: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen...

Besides, you should follow some principles: avoid stimulants, limit spreading flu to others.

Paracetamol is commonly used to treat colds and flu.

5. People susceptible to flu

There are 4 groups of people most susceptible to the flu during the changing seasons: children under 5 years old, people over 65 years old, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems. Because they are susceptible to the disease, these groups need to strengthen their disease prevention.

To limit the flu, experts recommend: drinking plenty of warm water, supplementing protein and zinc, regularly cleaning the house and office, and regularly cleaning the nose with a nasal spray.

What to do if you have a long-lasting cold that does not go away? If you take medicine and try other treatments but the illness does not go away, you should see a doctor. Early examination and testing will help you avoid the risk of complications.

II. Cold – Flu: 2 completely different diseases

Flu and cold are both COLD but they are not exactly the same! We need to distinguish clearly if we want to cure the disease completely in a short time:

Common cold, muscle aches, cough, chest pain are usually mild. Fever, headache or fatigue are less common.

With flu: Patients will have high fever, headache, muscle pain, frequent fatigue, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat.

Hope this article is useful for you. Remember to regularly follow the Website nanofrance.com.vn to update more latest knowledge about Medicine - Pharmacy!