We are approaching the end of the year, the mercury in the thermometer is slowly but surely dropping, and what knocks on many people's doors at this time of the year is the flu. Can a person protect himself from the flu or reduce the risk of getting sick from this, for risk groups, potentially very dangerous disease.
Influenza is an acute infectious disease that appears with several symptoms: headache, pain in muscles and joints, cough and very high body temperature. The disease appears suddenly, and the symptoms disappear after 2-7 days. The only symptom that persists for up to 2 weeks is a cough.
Vaccination against influenza started a few days ago, according to the announcement of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ). The public will hear different views on vaccination, but it is recommended by institutions and doctors. The groups for which vaccination is recommended according to HZJZ are the following:
persons aged 65 and older
residents of homes for the elderly and institutions for the care of chronic patients (regardless of age, including children)
patients with chronic diseases, especially heart and lung diseases, including children, and especially children with impaired lung function (cystic fibrosis, chronic asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and congenital defects
adults and children with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), chronic kidney diseases, hemoglobinopathies and damage to the immune system (including HIV infection)
children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) on long-term therapy with drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid (to avoid Reye's syndrome with flu).
in the event that one of the persons for whom vaccination is recommended cannot be vaccinated due to their health condition (contraindication), persons from their close environment should be vaccinated instead under the same conditions, for example household contacts (including children), persons who provide home medical care, etc.
employees of homes for the elderly and institutions for the care of chronic patients,
healthcare workers
pregnant women
But apart from the vaccine, there are a number of steps or simple habits that reduce the risk of the flu.
Everyday protection
These are the tips that are recommended to be followed in order to reduce the risk of contracting the flu virus:
- Avoid contact with sick people
If at all possible, avoid contact with people who have the flu. - If you get infected, protect others
If you contract the virus, do not go out in public and endanger others. Stay at home until you get well and avoid all kinds of meetings with people, except those that are necessary. - Cover your nose and mouth
When you sneeze or cough, be sure to put your palm over your nose and mouth. It will be a good protection for the people around you. Influenza and other diseases of the respiratory system are most often transmitted by cooking, coughing and unclean hands.
Regular and frequent hand washing will protect you from germs, carriers of the flu virus. If you do not have the opportunity to wash your hands often enough with soap and clean water, always carry wet tissues with you and wipe your hands with them regularly.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
Germs often multiply after being transferred to the eyes, nose, or mouth with the palms of the hands. Therefore, in addition to regular hand washing, avoid direct contact with the open mucous membrane that we have in the eyes, nose and mouth.
Good hygiene habits
In addition to regular washing and personal hygiene, it is recommended to carry out regular hygiene of the premises where you are staying. Regularly clean and disinfect work surfaces in the apartment, especially those where you prepare food. Pay extra attention if one of your family members is infected with the flu.
Also, in order to keep your immunity strong enough to fight viruses, try to get quality and regular sleep, be moderately but regularly physically active, avoid stress, drink enough fluids and make sure you get enough nutrients from food and nutritional supplements to maintain health.
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