"Last winter, my neighbor, Aunt Li, a retired teacher who pays attention to her daily health, unfortunately fell ill with the flu. However, her ** path is full of twists and turns and misunderstandings. Aunt Li thought that more disinfection could effectively prevent the spread of the virus, but as a result, the pungent smell of disinfectant water filled her home, and her respiratory tract was seriously irritated. In addition, she blindly took the antibiotics recommended by a friend, but did not get better. This scene can't help but make people think: in the process of flu at home**, did we make similar mistakes? "
Influenza, commonly known as the "severe cold",In fact, it is far more complicated than the common cold. Understanding the basics of influenza is the first step to avoiding misconceptions.
Definition and characteristics of influenza Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It has three types: A, B, C, of which influenza A and B are the most common. The main characteristics of the flu are its rapid onset, and symptoms include high fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, etc.
Difference Between Flu and Common Cold While the symptoms of the flu and the common cold are similar, the symptoms of the flu are usually more severe. The common cold is more common with nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat, while the flu can cause high fever, persistent cough, and muscle pain all over the body. In addition, there is a higher risk of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.
How the flu spreads Influenza is mainly spread through droplets, which are virus-laden droplets released when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It can also be contracted by touching the face after touching items contaminated with the virus. Therefore, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding close contact are key to preventing influenza.
People at high risk of influenza Influenza is a threat to people of all agesHowever, groups with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases, are more likely to be severely affected.
Precautions The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu. The annual flu vaccine is updated according to changes in the flu virus, so it is necessary to get vaccinated every year. In addition, good personal hygiene,Frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, and avoiding crowded areas are also important precautions.
During flu season, disinfection in the home is even more important. However, over-sanitization, especially the frequent use of chemical disinfectants, can cause more problems. Common disinfectants, such as chlorine-based disinfectant water, alcohol, etc., when used in excess, may cause a decrease in indoor air quality, causing respiratory irritation or allergic reactions, especially for the elderly and children. In addition, incorrect disinfection methods, such as spraying disinfectant in large quantities in a closed environment, not only do not effectively kill viruses, but may increase the concentration of harmful substances in the room.
The correct course of action should be to ventilate regularly and use safe disinfection methods, such as wiping down surfaces with 70% medical alcohol. It is important to understand that proper disinfection in conjunction with personal hygiene practices (e.g. frequent hand washing) is usually sufficient to prevent the spread of influenza viruses.
In flu**, the wrong medication is another common myth. Many people self-administer antibiotics as soon as they feel flu symptoms, such as cough and fever, but antibiotics only target bacterial infections and are not effective against viral flu. This habit is not only ineffective, but can also lead to an increase in antibiotic resistance, which is extremely bad for health in the long run.
The correct approach is to use antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir, under the guidance of your doctor, especially in the early stages of the flu. At the same time, symptomatic** such as the use of fever-reducing drugs and increased body hydration are also important. Remember, the use of any medication should be done on the advice of a medical professional and not on your own.
In the case of influenza**, the importance of daily care is often overlookedThis is a serious misconception. Proper daily care not only speeds up the recovery process but also reduces the risk of complications.
Appropriate diet and hydration: People with influenza should maintain a balanced diet and increase their intake of protein and vitamins. Adequate hydration is essential to relieve fever and cough symptoms. Avoid spicy, greasy, or hard-to-digest foods to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
Adequate rest: During the flu, patients should make sure to get enough rest, which helps the immune system fight the virus more effectively. Avoid overexertion, proper rest can speed up the process.
Environmental regulation: Keep indoor air circulation and avoid air humidity that is too low or too high. Moderate indoor humidity is beneficial for relieving respiratory symptoms and reducing the environment in which the virus can survive.
Lack of the right information**: Consequences of misbelieving rumors
Access to the right information is critical during the flu** process. Misinformation provided by the Internet and non-experts can lead to misleading methods and even aggravate the condition.
Distinguish the authenticity of information: Patients and their families should obtain information from reliable medical resources, such as the hospital's official websiteguidelines issued by professional medical institutions, etc. Avoid blindly trusting unverified online information or home remedies.
Medical Advice: Consult a doctor or medical professional as a priority during the flu** procedure. They are able to provide personalized advice based on the patient's specific situation.
Continuous updating of knowledge: Influenza viruses and their methods are constantly evolving and updating. Patients and families should stay up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and guidelines in order to make the right decisions.