Schools opened, the weather started to get colder and we started to be in indoor environments more often. In this rainy, cloudy and windy season, where the weather gets hotter and colder, we have difficulty deciding what to wear, our flu-like complaints have started to increase. It is in our hands to get through this period without illness and spend the winter comfortably.
Flu is the most common infection in society and affects approximately 20% of the society every year. People over the age of 65, young children, people with diseases such as chronic heart-lung disease, diabetes, kidney and liver failure and cancer are more susceptible to catching the flu.
It is caused by the influenza virus and this virus is A. It is divided into subgroups as , B and C. Influenza A causes more severe flu and is responsible for epidemics and pandemics. They are divided into types according to the H and N glycoproteins, which are the antigenic proteins in their external structures (such as H3N2, H1N1).Influenza viruses tend to change their antigenic structures frequently. With antigenic shifts, new species emerge and new pandemics occur, as in 2009. In antigenic drifts, point mutations develop and seasonal influenza epidemics occur, as every year.
In cold seasons, it is easier for the infection to spread in closed, crowded and poorly ventilated areas. In the northern hemisphere, the influenza season is between October and April, while in the southern hemisphere it is seen between May and September. It is most commonly transmitted by infected droplets released from coughing and sneezing into the air and being inhaled. The virus can survive on inanimate surfaces for 2-3 hours. Contagiousness begins 1-2 days before the onset of disease symptoms and may continue until a few days after the fever subsides.
Clinical findings begin 1-2 days after the virus is ingested. While clinical diagnosis can be made in the presence of fever above 38oC, cough, weakness, chills, headache, muscle aches and runny nose, laboratory tests can be used when definitive confirmation is required. Since clinical findings are similar to bacterial pneumonia, attention should be paid in differential diagnosis. The world dies every year due to seasonal flu and its complications. 250 000 - 300,000 people die due to this disease.
Bed rest is absolutely required in the treatment. Paracetamol and cough suppressants can be used as symptomatic treatment. Antiviral drugs are used in those with risk factors for severe disease and in severe cases.
What can we do to protect?
Eat regularly (C vitamins, meat, milk, eggs, honey, plenty of liquid, etc.)
Get your flu vaccine every year,
Be careful to dress during the flu season,
People with flu Avoid close contact, do not share things such as towels.
People with flu need to rest at home for 7 days from the onset of the disease.
Avoid crowded environments in flu epidemics, use a mask, ventilate the environment.
Wash your hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Age 65 and older Those above,
Nursing home and nursing home residents,
Those with chronic diseases,
Patients with suppressed immune systems,
Long-term aspirin users over 19 years of age. persons under age,
Pregnant women (3. months) and those who are breastfeeding,
Those living in the same environment as those in the risk group,
Healthcare workers.
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