8 Important Rules for Preventing the Flu

Turkchem 15 Jan 2020 40 2 dk okuma

TURKCHEM

Dr. Keramettin Şar, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, states that flu infections, which increase every winter and are frequently encountered recently, spread easily due to viruses dispersed into the air through coughs and sneezes from person to person. He says "Flu infections, which include H1N1, present with symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, nasal discharge/congestion, dry cough, and widespread muscle aches, while they can lead to serious illnesses reaching pneumonia." Dr. Keramettin Şar notes that the disease appears between 18-72 hours after virus transmission and emphasizes that it is possible to protect oneself from the flu with some simple but effective measures. Specialist in Internal Medicine Dr. Keramettin Şar shared 8 critical measures for flu prevention.

Avoid Closed and Crowded Spaces

Particularly crowded spaces such as schools, daycare centers, public transportation vehicles and shopping centers facilitate the easy transmission of viruses. Therefore, avoid crowded and closed spaces if not necessary. Periodically open windows in your environment to allow fresh air to enter.

Do Not Kiss Immediately Upon Seeing Each Other

Since viruses spread very quickly through saliva droplets dispersed into the air, do not kiss immediately upon seeing each other; be satisfied with greeting each other from a distance with a nod. Avoid speaking at very close distances. Also avoid close contact with sick persons.

Eat Healthily

Your body's resistance against the epidemic must be strong. Therefore, eat healthily to strengthen your immune system. Do not skip your main meals, especially breakfast. Make sure to regularly consume eggs, fish, yogurt, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, seasonal vegetables and seasonal fruits. Eat a balanced and quality diet and drink plenty of water.

Pay Attention to Regular Sleep

Healthy sleep is as essential as healthy nutrition and hygiene for flu prevention. Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system and reduces body resistance, creating conditions for many diseases and inviting the flu. Therefore, make sure to sleep at least 6 hours.

Get Vaccinated Against Flu

Specialist in Internal Medicine Dr. Keramettin Şar states: "Pregnant women, elderly people over 70 years of age, those with chronic diseases and those working in crowded environments (barracks, schools, hospitals, etc.) should be vaccinated against the flu every year. Everyone over 50 years of age should also receive the pneumococcal vaccine. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccine; in the past it was necessary to receive it every 5 years, but with the recently developed pneumococcal vaccine, it is sufficient to receive it once in your lifetime."

Avoid Inactivity

Inactivity weakens a person's immune system and creates conditions for diseases. Even if the weather is cold, brisk walking for half an hour three days a week strengthens immunity and helps protect against diseases, so try to exercise as much as possible.

Use Tissues When Sneezing

Flu viruses live on our hands, in nasal secretions and in particles we disperse to the surroundings when we cough and sneeze. These viruses survive on objects around us, on handrails in public transportation vehicles, on door handles and even in the air for a while. They also enter healthy people through the respiratory tract or eye mucous membranes. Therefore, wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, use disposable paper tissues instead of your hand when coughing or sneezing and throw them away after each use. Do not use shared towels at home.

Learn to Manage Your Stress

Specialist in Internal Medicine Dr. Keramettin Şar states: "Scientific research shows that stress weakens the immune system, making it easier to catch the flu and creating conditions for many diseases. While it may not be possible to avoid stress, by learning to manage your stress, you can strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from the flu."