In my years of clinical experience, I have found that many people try all sorts of seemingly magical methods when faced with the flu, which includes room smoked vinegar. However, as a doctor, I must tell you that this method is not scientific and is not effective in preventing the flu. Today, I'm going to share a patient's story and take you through some practical, science-based ways to prevent the flu. A few weeks ago, a young mother named Xiao Li came to my clinic with her two children. Li was very worried that she and her children would catch the flu because her neighbor told her that smoking vinegar in her room would prevent the flu. She listened to this method and smoked vinegar in her room every day, hoping to protect her family from the flu.
However, Xiao Li's children still contracted the flu one after another, and she herself developed similar symptoms. When she came to me for help, I told her that room smoking vinegar was not effective in preventing the flu and that prolonged exposure to vinegar vapor could cause respiratory irritation. I introduced her to some scientific ways to prevent the flu and advised her to get the flu vaccine while strengthening the family's personal hygiene habits. Through the implementation of scientific precautions, Xiao Li and her children successfully avoided a second infection with the flu.
Understand how the flu spreads, and prevent the flu more effectively!
Spread through airborne droplets: When a person has the flu, droplets containing the virus are released from his mouth and nose when he coughs or sneezes. The virus in these droplets is able to remain suspended in the air for a period of time and be inhaled into the respiratory tract by others, infecting others.
Exposure to the source of infection:
Influenza viruses can be present in body fluids (e.g., saliva, nasal discharge) of an infected person. A healthy person can become infected if they come into contact with an infected object or surface and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.
Scientific ways to prevent the flu, these you should know!
Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Handwashing is one of the key steps to prevent the spread of the flu, especially after touching public places or socializing with others.
Wear a mask:
Wear a mask in public or when in contact with an infected person. Masks can effectively stop the spread of airborne droplets and reduce the chance of infection.
Avoid contact:
Try to avoid close contact with people who have the flu. The flu is spread by droplets, and keeping a distance from the sick can reduce the risk of infection.
Get a flu shot:
Get an annual flu shot to boost immunity. The flu vaccine can help the body produce antibodies that can prevent infection or reduce the severity of the disease.
Dispel misconceptions:
Room smoked vinegar is not effective in preventing influenza, and scientific studies have shown that its effectiveness is limited. Eating a lot of vitamin C and drinking plenty of water doesn't directly prevent the flu, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet are the key.