10 Tips to Protect Against Summer Flu

Summer heat increases ozone levels in the air, triggering summer flu risk. For this reason, precautions against summer flu are necessary. Op. Dr. Oğuz Yılmaz from the Otolaryngology Department at Memorial Antalya Hospital shared ways to protect against summer flu and shared important information.

Dust and Pollen Play a Role

Summer flu, unlike what is seen in autumn and winter, manifests as a type of allergy that develops against airborne particles, similar to hay fever. Factors that can cause allergic reactions in the air include reduced body resistance, air conditioning dust, and time spent in beaches and crowded places, which can lead to viral flu-type infections in summer.

Summer Flu Medications Are Different

Although it shows symptoms similar to flu, the organisms that cause the disease are very different from the flu. First of all, this disease is not transmitted from person to person. The disease microorganism multiplies and spreads in water systems, cooling towers and ventilation systems. It manifests through the inhalation of water droplets passing through these devices or their unintentional entry into the respiratory tract. Within days, a person gradually begins to fall ill. For summer flu, medications used in winter flu and common cold or recommended by others should absolutely not be used; one must consult an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Protection Against Summer Flu Is Possible

1. Eat a balanced diet,
2. Obtain partial protection by staying away from other air pollution factors,
3. Do not diet during this period,
4. Consume plenty of water and fluids,
5. Do not consume very cold or icy beverages,
6. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables,
7. Pay attention to sleep and rest,
8. Do not stay in direct sunlight for long,
9. Do not neglect exercise to boost body resistance,
10. If symptoms increase, consult a specialist without delay.

Use Air Conditioning Wisely

Air conditioning use in summer should generally be at a minimum level. However, if air conditioning must be used, it is very important that the air conditioner be turned off frequently and turned back on after waiting a while, operated continuously at a low level for a few hours, the temperature setting not be set too low, be installed to achieve ideal coolness, maintenance be performed regularly and filters be replaced on time. Ventilating the bedroom through a window is healthier than cooling it with air conditioning.

Symptoms Should Be Considered

The symptoms of this type of summer flu or infections presenting with fever can sometimes be confused with silently developing and not always classically presenting pneumonia, bronchitis and other viral infections. For this reason, in cases of diarrhea in the summer season, it should be investigated from a differential diagnosis perspective whether there is any causative agent such as bacteria or amoeba, and in other febrile common cold-like conditions whether there is the presence of another virus or infection.