As the seasons change, we often think that the flu only haunts the winter season, but the recent hot search list reveals a sobering phenomenon: the out-of-season flu is quietly coming, and the impact is far greater than in previous years. At a time when we thought we could enjoy the warm sunshine and spring flowers, many people unexpectedly fell into the flu. For example, Mr. Zhang, an old man who should have enjoyed his retirement in the springIgnoring the warning of out-of-season influenza and unfortunately becoming infected, the originally peaceful life was plagued by illness, and even affected the whole family.
This phenomenon has not only attracted widespread social attention, but also forced us to re-examine the protective measures against influenza and self-care awareness. In the face of the challenge of out-of-season influenza, the efforts of medical institutions alone are far from enough, and everyone's knowledge and response measures are particularly important. How to protect ourselves and our families in this unconventional flu season has become a problem that each of us must face.
In this article, we'll dive into the ins and outs of out-of-season flu, from the basics to prevention strategies to coping with it, to provide a comprehensive "help yourself" checklist. Whether you're new to the flu or new to the topic, every piece of advice here will help. Let's learn together how to stay healthy and stay away from the flu during this unusual season.
Influenza, commonly known"Large cold", in fact, it is far more ferocious than the common cold. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Compared to the common cold, the flu virus can cause more serious health problems, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death. There are many types of influenza viruses, among which influenza A and B viruses are the most common, and they can mutate rapidly, making it difficult for the body to form long-term effective immunity.
Why is out-of-season influenza so frequent?
Traditionally, the peak influenza season is winter and spring, but in recent years, the frequency of out-of-season influenza has increased significantly. This phenomenon is partly due to global climate changeAs a result, seasonal temperature differences are reduced, allowing influenza viruses to survive and spread during atypical seasons. At the same time, people's indoor activities have increased and air conditioning has been used frequently, which also provides a good environment for the spread of influenza viruses.
Typical symptoms of influenza include high fever (above 38°C), cough, sore throat, generalized muscle and joint pain, fatigue and fatigue. These symptoms usually appear rapidly within one to four days of infectionAnd it's more intense than the common cold. In particular, high fever and systemic symptoms are important markers to distinguish influenza from the common cold.
How to correctly distinguish the flu from a cold?
The biggest difference between the flu and the common cold is the severity and speed of the course. Flu symptoms develop rapidly and become severe; Whereas, cold symptoms are relatively mild and have a slow onset. In addition, influenza can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, especially in the elderly, children, and people with weakened immune systems.
In today's world, when out-of-season influenza is a hot topic, taking effective precautions is not only a responsibility to protect one's own health, but also a responsibility to one's family and community. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay healthy during flu season.
Vaccination: Act ahead and build a protective wall
The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu. Each year's flu vaccine is updated based on global trends in influenza activity to provide optimal protection against currently circulating influenza strains. Experts recommend that eligible people get vaccinated against the flu before the flu season each year, especially in the early fall. This is especially true for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseasesVaccination can significantly reduce the risk of getting the flu and reduce the likelihood of severe illness and death.
Daily protection: Simple actions to greatly reduce the risk of infection
Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap, especially after touching public objects such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc.
Wear a mask: Wearing a medical mask can effectively reduce the spread of the virus during crowded or flu-prone seasons.
Avoid crowds:Try to minimize going to crowded places, especially indoor crowded places, such as shopping malls, movie theaters, etc.
Maintain indoor air circulation: Regularly open windows for ventilation and keep indoor air fresh can reduce indoor virus concentrations.
Boost your immunity: Eat a healthy diet and exercise moderately
Eat a balanced diet: Adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially foods rich in vitamins C and E, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts, can help boost the immune system.
Moderate exercise: regular physical activitySuch as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc., can enhance physical fitness and improve immunity.