How to fight flu together

 

What is the flu?
Influenza commonly known as” the flu” is an infectious disease caused by influenza virus. It is super contagious virus that can make you feel miserable. Its symptoms are usually more serious than sneezes and stuffy nose that you tend to get from a common cold. You typically start to feel bad quickly instead of over the time. You may have a high fever, headache and muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and tiredness. You might have runny or stuffy nose, chills, nausea, and vomiting.

Most symptoms get better after about 5 days. But sometimes they can last for a week or more. Even if your fever and aches are gone, you can still feel drained for a few weeks. You can catch it when someone who has it sneezes or coughs, sending virus filled droplets into the air that you breathe in. You can also get it if you touch somewhere that virus landed and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Flu is more common in winter because people spend more time in close contact with each other, so the virus spread more easily.

Get lots of rest, drink plenty of clear fluids. water, broth. So, you do not get dehydrated too. You can also try a humidifier or saline spray to help with a stuffy nose. Gargle with salt water for a sore throat. Antiviral drug Tamiflu can help those who have a bad case of the flu, are over 65 or have a weak immune system. Pain medicine paracetamol and ibuprofen might ease a fever and body aches. Decongestants can help with a stuffy nose. And cough medicine or drops can help calm your hacking.

Antibiotics do not treat a virus like a flu. The best way to stay healthy vaccine helps your body to recognize influenza and fight it. Because virus changes from year o year. You need a new vaccine before start of each flu season in the fall. The vaccine cannot give you the flu It can keep you from getting the illness or help keep your symptoms mild if you do come down with it.

Most people recover after a few days without problems. But some get conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus and ear infections, People who already have problems like asthma or heart failure may get sicker. Get emergency medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or feel short of breath, feel pressure or pain in your chest or stomach, dehydrated, feel confused, cannot stop vomiting.

What is happening with the flu vaccine?
With COVID-19 in circulation alongside influenza, this year’s flu is bigger than ever. It is important to get the vaccine as soon as you can the earlier the better.

What is the significance of the flu vaccine while we are still dealing with the pandemic?
We do not yet know what the impact of co-circulating infections, COVID-19 and influenza will be. However, with the onset of winter and being inside more. It is likely that there will be greater opportunity for the viruses to spread at a time when health services are under extra pressure. It is also possible to get both flu and COVID-19.

Who should get the vaccine and why?
Health organization recommend that all members who deliver direct patientcare should be vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting flu and spreading infection. Everyone over the age of 50 as well as at risk groups.

The vaccine is recommended for those at particular risk of severe infection, older people, those who are immunosuppressed and those with other underlying health conditions.

All children aged two and three years seven and those in school up o year seven. Those at most risk of transmitting infection, such as all health and social care workers with direct patient or client contact and carers.

How effective is it?

It varies each year but on average it prevents around 60% of influenza disease. Although it may not stop all infection, there is good evidence it helps prevent transmissions as well as severe illness and hospital admissions. By having the vaccine, we can help to stop the spread of flu and protect their family.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:
Take everyday preventive actions that are always recommended to reduce the spread of flu.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
•  Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.

During the coronavirus pandemic, experts found that wearing masks can help protect the community from the spread of germs. They recommend that everyone wear a mask when out in the public or around people who do not live with them. Wearing masks can also help stop the spread of flu