The flu season begins in late autumn during cool weather and can last until the end of April next year. The peak of the disease occurs in January-February. The effects of seasonal flu are being felt across the country.
Read to the end to get the most useful information.
There are six main types of flu:
1. Influenza A virus
This is the most common type. It infects both animals and people. This strain usually presents with the most severe symptoms. The influenza A virus mutates rapidly. There are 198 subtypes and strains in this category. The illness lasts 7 to 15 days.
2. Influenza B virus
Only people are infected with it. It is usually weaker than type A virus. However, it can have some potentially serious consequences. It is this strain that is causing the epidemic.
3. Influenza C virus
Although type C can lead to seasonal epidemics, this virus is the least severe of all types of influenza. It can be dangerous to babies, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Influenza C virus is considered a mild respiratory illness that lasts only 3-7 days. Influenza C often coexists with an influenza A pandemic outbreak.
4. Influenza D virus
The influenza D strain was thought to only affect cattle and pigs. However, in 2011, the medical community conducted research and suggested that the influenza D virus could be transmitted from animals to humans.
5. Swine flu H1N1
This deadly virus first appeared in Mexico in 2009. Swine flu is a combination of three types of viruses that infect humans.
6. Avian influenza H5N1
It is a severe type of influenza that is associated with a high risk of serious complications. Many people experience multiple organ failure. If you have this deadly form of the flu, your chances of surviving are only 50%. Fortunately, they cannot be infected from a sick person. Avian influenza is transmitted only from birds to humans.
How to protect yourself from seasonal flu
1. Wash your hands often
Keep your hands clean at all times. Even if your hands can get dry and chapped from the weather during the winter months, hand washing should be made a habit. Always carry hand lotion or cream with you. Remember that open wounds increase the risk of infection.
2. Social distance
Especially with the onset of cold weather, social distancing is necessary. When flu season approaches, you need to stay away from those who are infected. Maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people, and viruses will not bother you.
3. Wear a mask in public
If you are not covered properly, the chances of inhaling an infection increase. Make sure the mask is securely covering your mouth and nose. Also, cover yourself when you cough or sneeze. Always keep a few tissues close at hand.
4. Keep ears, nose and mouth warm
Buy a nice scarf to cover your mouth, ears, and nose when you leave the house. Cold air can harm a weak immune system.
5. Don't touch your face
There are 100 reasons why you shouldn't touch your face, and one of them is that you could get the flu.
6. Avoid shaking hands and hugging
While it is common to shake hands in business and social life, explain to your colleagues and friends that you do not do this during flu season, or simply declare that you are germophobic nature.
The same goes for hugging. Even if your sweet mother or grandmother comes to visit, try not to hug. Such measures will protect everyone. If they insist on hugging, make sure you turn your face outward.
7. Use disinfectants
Hand sanitizers must be carried with you. As a rule, it is capable of destroying 90% of pathogens of various infectious diseases. Keep in mind, however, that during seasonal flu, disinfectants are not a substitute for washing your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds.
8. Beware of doorknobs
There is nothing worse than touching dirty doorknobs. The number of viruses and other pathogens on these surfaces is astronomical.
9. Don't drink or eat after someone
You might be tempted to share a sip with someone. Don't give in to this urge. When you drink or eat from the same dish, the risk of infection increases many times, especially in the midst of the seasonal flu.
10. Eat less sweets and take vitamins
Did you know that sugar weakens the immune system? A weak immune system makes it difficult to fight off a disease-causing infection. Therefore, during flu season, cut back on sweets and eat only healthy foods.
Finally, the best thing to do for your body during seasonal flu is to add vitamins to your diet. They will strengthen the immune system, which will help the body to cope with influenza viruses.
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