Thursday 11 December 2014

How To Keep The Flu Away During Change Of Season

flu
Change of season leads to change in atmospheric temperature and the human body, at imes, falls prey to these sudden changes. Change of season opens the door to various contaminated diseases. The most common of all the diseases is 'influenza'. The influenza virus is a highly sensational and significant respiratory pathogen. It spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets like most other respiratory viruses. Fever and cough are the primary symptoms of influenza. Other symptoms include sore throat, headache, malaise, nasal congestion and myalgia. Consequences of influenza varies and most individuals have mild to moderate symptoms. One affected by influenza can continue with their daily activities and return to work within 3-4 days.

Cure of Influenza -  To help cure Influenza take lots of rest, fluids and antipyretics. Antipyretics reduce fever and myalgia and also make the patient feel better. Antiviral medications may be effective for treating Influenza, but their effectiveness is time dependant and complicated by resistant strain development.

Prevention of Influenza  - Necessary steps should be taken to prevent Influenza. Here are 4 ways that you can consider as precaution methods for the disease.

1) Essential Precautions – Wash your hands at regular intervals with soap and water or with alcohol based sanitizers. Also, use of naso-oral facemasks can limit its spread.  Keep a distance of minimum 3 -6 feet from those who are already affected by the disease. Don't share drinking glasses, food, towels or other personal care items. As virus or flu multiplies in dry air, a humidifier can be used to increase humidity and thus avoid the spread of virus. Healthcare workers should practice washing hands frequently.

2) Vaccination – A method highly effective in preventing flu is immunization. Vaccination is also very important. Benefits of vaccination are reduction in influenza related symptoms and relief from its consequences.

3) General health practices –
Drink plenty of water as it would activate a particular immune against viruses. So, stay hydrated. Consuming food or taking supplements rich in “probiotics” may fend off flu viruses. The most effective way is to keep one's immune system strong and equipped to fight influenza. Immune system can be strengthened by exercising and consuming food rich in protein and complex carbohydrates.

4) Chemoprophylaxis – Chemoprophylaxis with antiviral medications can prevent influenza. Antivirals (amantadine and rimantadine) are active against influenza A; however the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised not to use them, as they are not active against influenza B viruses. Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are generally effective against influenza A and B and may be more effective than Amantadine and Rimantadine in preventing influenza. You can also take generic medicines to reduce pain and fever.

These are some of the effective means to keep flu at bay. Take the above mentioned necessary precautions as now is the high time when you can get affected by flu because the season is changing. Autumn is giving way to winter. So, take good care of yourself and enjoy the chill because you already know what preventions are required for you to stay fit this winter!

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