How to Prevent Flu: Effective Measures

What is influenza?

The influenza virus, also known as the “influenza virus”, is ahighly transmissible virus capable of constantly modifying its molecular characteristics (i.e., it is mutagenic).

It is this last characteristic that still makes influenza abiological enemythat needs to be constantly monitored.

Important: Globally, up to 650,000 deaths annually are attributed to respiratory illnesses caused by influenza. (1)

Therefore, organizations such as theWorld Health Organization (WHO), theCenter for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with others, are responsible for keeping an eye on the evolution and trends demonstrated by this virus.

Note: Influenzahas been responsible for a large number of epidemics and pandemicsacross the globe. The most recent pandemic, which broke out during 2009, was caused by a strain of influenza A virus, called H1N1.

Causes of the flu

The virus is highly contagious. It was thanks to Vaccination and the application of basic hygiene rules, which made it possible to significantly reduce the number of infected and deaths from influenza.

But why is it so contagious? Next, we will explain some factors that determine its transmissibility.

Age

Although influenza can be fatal for the majority of the population, regardless of age, there is no doubt that the risk of mortality from respiratory complications is disproportionately higher in adults older than 65 years.

In recent years, it has been estimated that between 70% and 85% of deaths during influenza seasons are in older adults. (2)tag. This is due tometabolic and physiological changes that occur with age.

Note: The defenses decrease and the metabolism slows down, which makes these age groups the main risk group for many diseases: metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.

Weakened immune system

Although aging is a physiological and normal factor, where our immune cells become more and more scarce, there are pathological phenomena , associated with diseases, that attack the immune system .

The most notorious example is HIV/AIDStag. The virus has a unique affinity for CD4 T lymphocytes and macrophages, capable of remaining inert within these cells for many years.

If the disease is not treated with antiretrovirals (the drugs of choice for treating HIV ), the CD4 lymphocyte count decreases, which directly translates into a loss of the immune system .

Note: Other causes that decrease defenses are: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, consumption of corticosteroids, neutropenia and immunosuppressants (as occurs after organ or graft transplant surgery).

Chronic health disorders

Certain respiratory or systemic diseases , which are perpetuated over the years, predispose the viruses and bacteria that we inhale into the environment, to enter our airways and do their own thing.

Take, for example, chronic bronchitistag. It is a disease where there is an inflammation of the walls of the broncos, accompanied by mucus plugs, which obstruct the airways.

So, the air (with its microorganisms in it) enters, but the microorganisms cannot be expelled because these obstructions do not allow it. These microscopic beings, likeHaemophilus Influenzae or influenza, take residence and wreak havoc.

Note: Other diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.

Contact with infected objects and people

It is the main cause of contagion. An asymptomatic or presymptomatic person who establishes contact with a person who has not been vaccinated, or whose immune system is weak, is at high risk of being infected.

Tip: It is recommended to keep your distance from people you know to be infected and get the Flu Vaccine every year .

flu symptoms

Influenza produces signs and symptoms , which are not exclusive to it and can be confused with other respiratory diseases (such as COVID 19). Next, we will mention some of the most common symptoms.

Fever and chills

Fever is a Common Mechanismthat our body produces against foreign agents to our body, known as antigens. Upon entering the body, antigens activate molecular signals that alert our hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus acts by releasing pyrogenic substances, such as prostaglandins , capable of raising body temperature and the other biological responses associated with it.

Important:During the flu, the fever starts suddenly. This also causes excessive sweating and shivering, which are ways the body uses to release excess body heat.

Cough and nasal congestion

Cough is produced by sustained contraction of the respiratory tract, caused by an irritating stimulus. In this case, excessive mucus and inflammation of the walls of the bronchial tubes provoke a cough.

Rhinorrhea (medical term for abundant nasal secretion) is caused because, in our nasal cavity, there are mucus-producing cells, called Goblet Cells .

Fun fact:When stimulated by an antigen, which comes into contact with the surface of the nasal mucosa, a large amount of mucus is produced. This is the cause of the temporary loss of the sense of smell and taste in the sick person.

Headache, throat and muscle

Headache (headache) is a direct consequence of the stress under which the body is subjected. It is also worsened by dehydration that occurs during fever and sweating.

The lower airways aren’t the only ones that look inflamed. The throat can also be affected, causing discomfort and pain to the person when swallowing saliva or food.

Muscle pain,Myalgia, is a frequently experienced symptom. It is a sensation of dull and continuous pain in a generalized way, which disappears once the disease is controlled by the body.

Fatigue

Note: The person experiences a continuous and debilitating tiredness, for which he deserves rest and continuous rest as well, until reaching his total recovery.

How to prevent influenza?

Avoiding unnecessary exposure to sources of contagion,particularly during flu seasons, is paramount to avoiding influenza. Next, we will mention some of the main recommendations against it.

1. Get vaccinated annually

After every so often, mutations in a strain of influenza accumulate, causing changes in the virus that evade our body’s defenses, a phenomenon known as antigenic drift .

Therefore, there is a need for an annual vaccinationtag. Every year, world health organizations remain alert to thesegenetic modifications of the virustag. In this way, vaccines derived from the most common layer are produced every year.

Important:There are different kinds of vaccines. Those created from live but inactive viruses (attenuated strains) and those created from dead viruses. The first is administered as a nasal spray, the second is administered by injection.(3)

It is necessary that you consult with your doctor of preference, about what type of vaccines is recommended for each person (a child, a young adult or an older adult, whether or not they have allergies to certain components of the vaccine, etc.).

2. Wash your hands regularly

Note: Hand washing with Disinfectant Soap eliminates a significant percentage of microorganisms that adhere to our skin, especially after having been in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

3. Avoid sharing items with sick people

This includes toothbrushes, towels, body and/or facial soap, pillows,dishes and kitchen utensils, and much more. In general, if a member of the household is sick, it is best that they have their own set of objects.

Thus, contact with contaminated surfaces is minimized and the chain of transmission (passage of the virus from one person to another) is cut.

4. Avoid contact with sick people

It is another primary method. If we know that a person shows symptoms of an infection (excessive sweating, constant cough, runny nose, general malaise), it is best to take care of ourselves and, by extension, our families.

Tip: In the case of a family member, friend or acquaintance, it is recommended to maintain basic hygiene and protection standards when dealing with them, and help them seek medical help if necessary.

5. Stay warm in cold weather

Certain microorganisms prefer a climate with low temperaturesthan high ones. This is because the molecular properties of its membrane and its proteins can be altered in hot climates.

This phenomenon is particularly true in countries of the northern hemisphere , such as the US or Canada, where rates of hospitalizations and deaths from influenza increase significantly.

Tip: It is recommended that the population avoid exposing themselves to the elements, wear clothing appropriate to the season and maintain an ideal body temperature at all times.

6. Cough covering your mouth and nose with the inside of your arm

When we cough or sneeze , we suddenly expel thousands of particles into the ambient air, capable of being suspended in the air momentarily, but enough to be inhaled by another person.

Important: The best strategy to avoid infecting others or exposing them to unnecessary risk is to cover our mouth and nose with the inside of the arm. If you do not wish to do so, you can also cover your nose and mouth with a single handkerchief for this purpose.

To relieve congestion, a runny nose works very well. It decreases the obstruction by producing mucus, allowing the person to breathe better.

7. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Unfortunately, touching our face is a completely unconscious actionin most cases. It may seem totally innocuous and inconsequential, but bringing our hands to our faces canhave serious consequences .

In this way, the hundreds of microscopic particles on our hand can enter the mucosa of our eyes, nose and mouth. From there, they can migrate into our airways.

Tip: Constant hand washingand avoiding touching surfaces and/or objects unnecessarily reduce the risk. But, it is important to become aware that we cannot touch our face frequently, especially in public places.

8. Keep surfaces and objects disinfected

It can be achievedby applying disinfectant or alcohol mixed with water. A handkerchief can be used to keep the area hygienic. It is advisable to do this with objects that we use frequently.

For example, in the work area, if we use a mouse and keyboard constantly, it is ideal to keep them clean and hygienic, for your health and that of others.

9. Avoid smoking

The dangers of cigarette smoking are extensivetag. By itself, the cigarette is an extensive topic apart. But, the most remarkable thing in this context is that the hundreds of components of which the cigarette is made haveAnti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties . (4)

That is, the levels of inflammation in our body increase. This directly affects the immune system, which is decimated, but also because it induces the release of stress hormones, which affect our system even more.

Note: If the defenses are diminished, the chronic smoker is susceptible to numerous infections.

10. Sleep and eat properly

An ideal diet , based on your physical and metabolic characteristics, is the cornerstone of a healthy life. Without a proper diet, there is no healthy life.

Tip: It is recommended to reduce the consumption of processed sugar, industrial energy drinks, avoid eating foods loaded with trans fats and exercise more frequently.

On the other hand, we recommend introducing more complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein into the diet. This can be achieved by consuming more vegetables, fruits, legumes, fiber, omega-3 and 6 and meats such as chicken or fish.

The exact number of hours each individual needs to sleep each night is highly individual. But, the consensus still holds that the optimal number of hours is still eight hours.

Key Conclusions

• Influenza is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal to certain people.
• It is transmitted through particles suspended in the air, contact with contaminated surfaces or people, or chronic health problems.
• Vaccination and hygiene standards, such as hand washing, are the main tools to reduce the risk of transmission.
• It is important to rest and eat properly, to keep the immune system strengthened and avoid contagion.