Definition: Flu is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. So this virus can cause infection in your nose, throat and lungs. In most patients, flu infection heals on its own, but sometimes flu infection and its complications (side effects of the disease) can be fatal. So, who are the individuals at high risk of developing flu complications?
Children under 5 years of age (especially children under 2 years of age are at higher risk.)
Individuals older than 65 years of age
Home care services and long-term care professionals providing services
Pregnant women
Individuals with suppressed immune system (Body defense system)
Individuals with chronic diseases lasting more than 6 months such as asthma, heart failure, diabetes, kidney failure
Symptoms:
Flu, like a cold, can start with runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. While the common cold usually develops slowly, the flu tends to start suddenly. Individuals feel much worse with the flu than with the flu.
We can list the general symptoms of the flu as follows;
Fever over 38 degrees
Muscle aches (especially in the back, arms and legs)
Chills and sweating
Headache
Dry, persistent cough
Fatigue and weakness
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
If you have flu symptoms and complications If you are in a group with a high risk of developing it, you should see your doctor without delay. Antiviral medications taken in the first 48 hours after you start seeing flu symptoms will shorten the duration of your illness and prevent serious side effects. People with flu are generally contagious from the first day of the symptoms to the 5th day. Sometimes this period may extend up to 10 days
Antibodies formed against the influenza virus that caused the disease in the past are not protective against the disease caused by influenza virus subtypes that have a very different immunological structure.
Risk. Factors (Causes that facilitate the development of the disease):
Age: Seasonal flu is more common in younger children and older adults
Living conditions: The risk of disease is higher in people living in nursing homes, military barracks, and children's dormitories
br /> Zay if immune system: Cancer treatment, immunosuppressive drugs, drugs to prevent organ rejection in organ transplantation, corticosteroids, aids; weakens your immune system. In this case, it makes it easier for you to get the flu and develop complications related to the disease.
Chronic diseases: Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart failure, kidney failure increase the complications of flu infection.
Pregnancy: The risk of developing flu complications is higher in pregnant women. This situation is especially seen in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
diagnosis: if there are no findings that may cause fever during the examination, viral results in blood tests and influenza can be diagnosed in nasal tests
Adequate fluid intake: Drink water to protect from fluid loss. , juice, and warm soups
Rest: Get more sleep to help your defense system fight infection. It would be appropriate to keep patients with poor oral intake and severe respiratory tract infections or risk factors in a hospital environment.
Protection: Annual flu vaccination is recommended for every individual over 6 months of age.
Seasonal flu vaccine administered every year. It is produced to provide protection against 3 or 4 types of flu viruses that can be commonly seen during the flu season. The flu vaccine is available in injection form or as a nasal spray.
How do we prevent the spread of the disease?:
The flu vaccine is not 100% protective. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
So, what should we do to prevent the spread of the disease?
Regular and correct hand washing plays a protective role against most infections. Using alcohol-based hand disinfectants in places where soap and water are not available is an effective method for protection. You should cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. While covering your mouth and nose, sneeze into a napkin, handkerchief or into your elbow to prevent the flu virus from getting on your hands.
Stay away from crowded places:
Flu spreads very easily in places where people are crowded. Places such as schools, child care homes, public transportation, office buildings, and concert venues are the places where the disease spreads the most. During peak periods of flu infection You can prevent the disease from infecting you by staying away from such crowded places. If you are sick, you must stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. In this way, you prevent the transmission of your disease to other people.
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