Flu, also commonly known as influenza is a respiratory infection. During the flu season, the virus affects men, women, and children with the chances of infection high in people who are suffering from chronic illnesses. The infection is commonly caused due to airborne and waterborne viruses entering the body through the nose or mouth.
It is difficult to identify the symptoms of flu as the common cold also exhibits similar visible indicators of respiratory infections. However, the severity of the symptoms will be more if a person is suffering from the influenza virus. One will experience body or muscle aches, chills, cough, fever, headaches, and sore throat in the early stages of the infection with varying levels of severity.
Note that there are four different types of flu viruses that cause the infection, each exhibiting similar symptoms more or less. Influenza A and B are the most common viruses and cause seasonal infections. Influenza C is rare and can cause mild respiratory illness while Influenza D only affects cattle. The diagnosis and treatment for different types of viruses will vary accordingly. However, there are ways in which one can make the necessary lifestyle changes to ensure the prevention of influenza.
Preventive measures for the flu infection
Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective preventive measures for countering an imminent flu infection. The vaccine protects against multiple flu strains and primarily features trivalent vaccines for three strains of the virus or quadrivalent vaccines for four strains of the virus. The common flu shot contains a dead virus to counter an imminent attack and can be safely administered for people between the ages of 18 and 64. Alternatively, a nasal spray is recommended for people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are in good health. Egg free vaccinations are also available to people who have severe allergies.
Since airborne and water-based viruses can quickly spread the infection, a person who is already suffering from the symptoms of the flu can transfer the virus strain to people in the immediate vicinity by coughing or sneezing which is why t is best to maintain a safe distance and not come in contact with people who are already infected. The virus can also be easily transferred by touch which is why one must take care while resting their hands on common surfaces like tables, chairs, or even on the escalator.
Cultivating the following habits will also greatly reduce the chances of an infection.
- One must wash hands with warm water and soap as many times as possible, especially outdoors.
- Buy alcohol-based hand sanitizers as that will kill the bacteria and at the same time sterilize the hands.
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with external surfaces that might be infected with the virus strain.
Apart from general hygiene, maintaining a well-balanced nutrition-rich diet will further boost one’s immunity to help tackle the infection. In addition to the diet, one must also maintain an active exercise regime and get plenty of rest at night allowing the body to relax and recover from the day’s strenuous activities.
