In winter, winter diseases such as colds and flu spread very quickly. It quickly turned into an epidemic after affecting a large number of patients. In recent years, influenza epidemics have been particularly serious. So we wonder why? We will talk about it in the next article.
Seasonal flu: Towards a particularly strong epidemic
We are getting closer to winter and the first winters can already be felt. Colds, sore throats, and flu set in. However, we are currently seeing a huge increase in the number of flu patients and it is not slowing down. So we wonder why?
In the past two years post-COVID-19, the flu has been « completely forgotten, » if we may say so. Patients are often quick to conclude they have covid-19 due to nearly similar symptoms. The two-year pandemic eclipsed the flu.
This year, though, the flu is likely to spread rapidly, and the outbreak could be particularly severe. The cessation of handicap gestures, the fact that less attention is paid to health measures after covid will be responsible for this.
Why is the flu a seasonal disease?
Influenza is said to be a seasonal disease because it has a high number of cases during a particular season (winter in this case). You should know that influenza virus is influenza A virus.
Symptoms include headache, muscle and joint pain, cough and fever, sometimes accompanied by fatigue. It is not serious but requires important follow-up for the youngest children, the elderly and the infirm.
Influenza is more common in winter, when cold, dry periods are good for the virus. In addition, the body’s immune system declines when it is cold. Most of its energy is spent heating up. This will facilitate virus acquisition. Finally, we tend to stay in enclosed places to keep warm in winter. However, these places are very favorable for this virus. This will allow for easy transfer and dissemination.
protect yourself from the flu
Although this year’s pandemic may be particularly severe, there are some simple ways to prevent it. They do not require medical advice, and in most cases they are just everyday gestures.
The first is to develop good hand hygiene habits. Wash them often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hydrogel, and be sure to wipe them dry. Avoid shaking hands or covering your face with your hands as much as possible. They may carry bacteria.
Always cover your mouth with your elbow when coughing, sneezing, or even yawning. Keep a certain distance from interlocutors and avoid contact with sick people. Ventilate the room you are in.
You can also do physical activity, eat a healthy diet, and take vitamins (as recommended by your doctor). Finally, you can use the flu vaccine that is especially recommended for the elderly, the infirm and pregnant women.