At the end of January – In early February, doctors predict a sharp increase in the number of people with influenza. To date, despite the fact that there has been no official announcement of a swine flu epidemic in Ukraine, people are gradually seized by panic. The cause of concern is the high mortality from influenza and complications in the form of pneumonia. The official data of the Ministry of Health and the information reported by doctors from the regions differ – 25 and 40 deaths respectively. In connection with the current situation, estet-portal.com decided to remind you of the basic precautions that will help protect yourself from the flu.
How to protect yourself from the flu: basic precautions
California strain of influenza, which claims the lives of Ukrainians, is especially dangerous for people at risk:
- children and the elderly;
- pregnant;
- diabetics;
- overweight people;
- people with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- asthmatics.
However, every person should be able to protect themselves from the flu. Doctors emphasize that the main danger of the Californian (swine) flu is severe pneumonia, from which patients who do not seek help in a timely manner most often die.
To keep yourself safe in crowded places and minimize the risk of infection, follow the guidelines below.
- Before leaving home treat the nasal mucosa:
- oxolinic ointment; or
- cold balms; or
- boron vaseline; or
- ointment with viferon.
Such a protective shell will close the main way for the virus to enter the body – nasal mucosa, which is exposed to viruses from the air.
- Take good care of your hygiene:
- Do not touch your eyes, lips or nose with unwashed hands;
- be sure to wash your hands when you get home, before eating;
- Rinse your mouth (chlorophyllipt, propolis or calendula tincture).
- Chew in transport:
- a small piece of calamus root; or
- orange or lemon zest; or
- cloves.
They will help protect against the flu: if the virus has entered the nasopharynx, these natural "chewing gums" it will be neutralized.
- Wear a handkerchief with natural oils:
- sagebrush;
- lavender;
- Firs.
To protect yourself from the flu, when someone sneezes near you, apply this homemade protective mask to your nose – these oils are also able to protect against pathogens.
- Be selective in your communication:
- try to communicate less with sick colleagues;
- remember that a sick person does not belong in the office.
- Add fresh to dinner:
- garlic;
- bow.
- Fight the dust – the more dust in the room, the more viruses in it. Wet house cleaning and avoidance of dusty places – a wise decision in any situation, especially during flu season.
What should I do if I failed to protect myself from the flu?
If you failed to protect yourself from the flu, and the temperature rose above 38 degrees, the most correct decision would be to see a doctor. The effectiveness of antiviral drugs prescribed by a specialist also depends on the timeliness of their intake – no later than 40 hours after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease.
Specialists once again warn about the dangers of self-treatment. In particular, they emphasize that antibiotics are indicated only if the flu is accompanied by a bacterial infection, otherwise the treatment is based on antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor. Self-diagnosis, inept treatment, taking drugs without a doctor's prescription and late seeking medical help – the main causes of complications and deplorable outcomes of the disease. Remember that you can protect yourself from the flu yourself, but its treatment – the task of a qualified specialist!
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