Ways to Boost Body Resistance Against Epidemics

Ways to Boost Your Body's Resistance Against Epidemics Sabri Ülker Vakfı has outlined ways to strengthen body immunity against recent flu outbreaks. Flu epidemics and common colds, which present with symptoms such as cough, mild fever, nasal discharge, sore throat, sneezing and body aches, spread more easily due to rapid air temperature changes throughout the day, high density of people in enclosed spaces and weakened immune systems. For this reason, Sabri Ülker Vakfı emphasizes that consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C should not be neglected, and has offered nutritional recommendations to support immunity.

What is the difference between common cold and flu?

Although the two diseases share common symptoms, their severity differs. Common cold, caused by nearly 200 viruses other than influenza virus, is a much milder illness. Generally, while common cold follows a milder course, flu symptoms are more severe. For example, high fever and body aches are characteristic symptoms of flu. While common cold usually does not lead to serious health problems, flu can cause pneumonia.

Symptoms and treatment of common cold

Common cold causes symptoms affecting the upper respiratory tract such as sore throat, nasal congestion or discharge, sneezing and bothersome cough. Fatigue and general aches are also common. Common cold has no definitive treatment, but adequate rest, abundant fluid consumption, gargling with salt and warm water to ease sore throat, taking warm showers to help relieve nasal congestion and inhaling steam support symptom relief.

Flu symptoms and treatment

Flu symptoms and the severity of the disease vary depending on the type of virus, the person's age and general health status. As a viral infection, flu can affect not only the respiratory tract but also other body systems. Common symptoms include: • High fever • Chills • Muscle and joint aches • Headaches • Fatigue • Cough • Sore throat • Nasal discharge • Diarrhea • Dizziness The same treatment protocol as for common cold can be followed to alleviate symptoms. In addition to ample rest and fluid intake, medical treatment can be started by consulting a healthcare facility to reduce fever and pain. However, some people develop serious complications from flu. Pneumonia is the most serious. Other complications include asthma attacks, ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, inflammation of the heart or other muscles and inflammation of the nervous system. Therefore, if symptoms such as chest pain, ear pain, shortness of breath, persistent fever and bloody cough are experienced, a healthcare facility must be consulted without fail.

Nutritional recommendations to support immunity:

To combat diseases, it is necessary to have a strong immune system. To support immunity and protect against diseases, it is important to pay attention to dietary variety, an active lifestyle, adequate and quality sleep. • Choose foods rich in vitamin C Citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, cabbage, broccoli and similar foods are rich in vitamin C. These foods help reduce symptoms such as sore throat and nasal discharge. • Benefit from root vegetables such as garlic and onion Onion containing vitamin C and garlic rich in phytochemicals provide protection against diseases. It is possible to support immunity by adding these products to dishes and salads. • Consume foods rich in zinc and selenium Zinc and selenium play an important role in strengthening the immune system. Shellfish, red meat and whole grain bread are rich in zinc. Selenium is found in foods such as sunflower seeds, molasses and canned tuna. • Use beneficial fats Fatty acids such as Omega-3 found in foods such as walnuts, fish, avocado, hazelnuts and almonds support body resistance and immunity. Immunity can be supported by consuming almonds and walnuts or adding them to salads. • Consume fresh fruits and vegetables Consuming fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables strengthens the immune system and has a reinforcing effect in protection against diseases. By consuming fresh vegetables and fruits in between meals, you support daily vitamin intake and make your body resistant to protect against diseases.