What is the flu?
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by Myxovirus influenzae type A, B or C viruses. Type A virus is characterized by high antigenic variability, which is associated with the risk of falling ill each year and the need to update the composition of the flu vaccine every year. In the northern hemisphere, the flu season usually lasts about 3 months from October to April, in the southern hemisphere from May to September. The most dangerous type of flu is the pandemic flu, which occurs every several or several dozen years, and is caused by the so far unknown subtypes of virus A. An example of such a pandemic flu is the so-called “Spaniard”, which in 1918-1919 killed about 50 million people in the world.
What are the symptoms of flu?
The symptoms of influenza are not specific, meaning that the various clinical symptoms caused by the influenza virus can also be caused by other respiratory viruses. A sudden onset of disease symptoms is very characteristic for influenza, such as a fever above 39o C lasting
1-2 days, chills, headaches, joints, muscles, severe weakness, a feeling of general breakdown, involvement of the respiratory system manifested by sneezing, rhinitis, sore throat, dry paroxysmal cough. Often, especially in children, gastrointestinal symptoms, mainly nausea and vomiting, occur. In the elderly, weakness or disturbed consciousness may be the main symptoms. The clinical course of the disease caused by the influenza virus depends on the properties of the virus, patient’s age, immune status, smoking, coexistence of diseases (e.g., heart and lungs), renal function, pregnancy, and nutritional status.
How do we treat the flu?
The flu usually clears up on its own in a few days, but the cough and feeling weak may last for up to 2 weeks.
The treatment of influenza is mainly symptomatic treatment consisting in lying in bed, drinking plenty of fluids, isolating the patient, administering antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and administering antitussive drugs, and nasal vasoconstrictors, if necessary. You can use vitamin preparations – mainly vitamin C and E, as well as routine and calcium preparations, which are supposed to reduce the permeability of blood vessels. In the treatment of influenza, it is worth using substances and extracts of plant origin that effectively help to alleviate and reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infections. Such plants include thyme – it has a positive effect on the proper functioning of the upper respiratory tract: the throat, esophagus and vocal cords, licorice, as well as ginger and cinnamon.
However, remember that flu symptoms must not be taken lightly! In the case of an untreated infection, and a patient with symptoms and a temperature, instead of staying in bed for a few days he goes to work, more serious complications, for example from the circulatory or respiratory system, can occur.
How do we prevent flu?
Since flu is spread mainly by airborne droplets, all clusters should be avoided during flu season. Of course, you must also completely exclude contacts with people who have flu symptoms. The year-round building of your individual body immunity, for example through physical activity and frequent outdoor activities, also brings beneficial effects. Positive effects are also achieved by preparations with an immunostimulating effect. An example of such a preparation is Echimunn, containing an extract of Echinacea herb, which supplements the daily diet with natural plant ingredients, supporting the body’s defenses.
However, the most effective method of preventing influenza is annual immunization to prevent contracting the disease.
AUTHOR: Dr n. farm. Andrzej Tarasiuk