Although spring is the season of recovery, it is also a time of high incidence of influenza. Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, which poses a significant threat to people's health. In order to better address the challenges of spring influenza, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of influenza viruses, how they spread, how they are prevented, and how to recognize them early and how to deal with them.
Learn about the influenza virus
A virus is a primitive life form that sits between living and non-living things. Viruses are tiny, have a simple structure, and do not even have the basic structure to maintain metabolism. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and must rely on host cells to reproduce. Viruses also have a variety of forms, including spherical, rod-shaped, filamentous, square, bullet-shaped, tadpole-shaped, and so on.
Influenza viruses are one of them. Influenza viruses are usually spherical in shape, and their size is about 100 nanometers, which is smaller than bacteria, so they cannot be observed under an ordinary microscope and can only be seen with the help of an electron microscope. For example, the tip of a pen is about 0.5 mm, and the virus compares the tip to the pen as if a person is comparing it to the earth. This tiny virus can spread quickly through people's respiratory tracts, causing illnesses such as the flu.
How the influenza virus is transmitted
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, and it is also a highly contagious and fast-spreading disease. Influenza viruses are mainly transmitted by droplets and by contact. Droplet transmission is when a person carries the virus in tiny droplets released when coughing, sneezing, or talking, which spreads to others through the air. Contact transmission is spread through contact with items contaminated with the virus or direct contact with the secretions of a sick person.
In addition, influenza viruses can also be spread through flammours, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and other items in public places. Therefore, it is essential to maintain personal hygiene and a clean environment.
Precautions against influenza viruses
01
personal hygiene
Good personal hygiene is the first step to prevent influenza. Include:
Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after touching potentially contaminated items.
Avoid touching your face: Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the chance of the virus entering your body.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and discard used tissues promptly.
02
Eat a healthy diet
A good diet can strengthen immunity and improve resistance. Suggestion:
Eat foods rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and sugar intake, and maintaining a balanced diet can help improve the body's immune function.
03
Avoid contact with sick people
Try to avoid close contact with people with flu symptoms, such as shaking hands, hugging or sharing objects. When in crowded places, keep a certain distance and avoid staying for long periods of time.
04
Indoor ventilation
Keeping indoor air well ventilated, opening windows regularly, and using an air purifier or air freshener can help remove bacteria and viruses from the air and improve indoor air quality.
05
Get a flu shot
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu. The flu vaccine stimulates the body to produce specific antibodies that improve the immune system's resistance to the influenza virus. Once vaccinated, the body quickly produces antibodies when the virus invades, thus stopping the further spread and infection of the virus. Although the flu vaccine is not guaranteed to prevent infection 100%, it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and complications after infection.
It is recommended to get vaccinated as early as possible before the flu season, especially for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health problems, as it is one of the effective means to protect yourself and others from the flu.
Early identification and response to influenza viruses
Influenza is different from the common cold in that its symptoms are more severe than the common cold. Early identification and appropriate response measures can effectively control the spread of influenza and reduce the risk of infection. Ways to deal with it include:
Early recognition of symptoms: Typical symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, and cough. If these symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Rest and dietary conditioning: Patients should have sufficient rest, drink plenty of water, keep their bodies hydrated, avoid fatigue, and eat a light and easy to digest diet.
Medications: Rational use of medications as recommended by your doctor can help relieve symptoms and speed recovery. Early antiviral therapy. Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, which is not effective when treated with anti-inflammatory drugs (antibiotics) and is only effective if a bacterial infection is present.
Spring is the season of high incidence of influenza, we should strengthen our understanding of influenza viruses, take effective preventive measures, and improve self-protection awareness. Only through scientific prevention and reasonable treatment can we have a healthy and happy spring.