It is worth remembering that not all respiratory conditions mean influenza and influenza virus infection.
Influenza is a disease caused by a virus called influenza, which circulates among people all year round, but which, in general, causes an increase in cases in the colder periods, between autumn and winter.
Although there is a vaccine against the most common types of influenza each year, not all people are immunized and it is not always possible to protect against all the subtypes that will appear in a given region that year.
It is worth remembering that not all respiratory conditions mean influenza and influenza virus infection. Similar symptoms can also indicate Covid-19, in addition to the common cold and simple viruses, caused by other respiratory viruses, including rhinovirus and adenovirus.
Vaccines save lives
In times of so many questions and misconceptions about vaccines and immunization, it is always worth emphasizing: yes, vaccines save lives!
Every year the Ministry of Health promotes the National Campaign against influenza, which guarantees free vaccination to all those who should be vaccinated. Among other groups considered priority by the ministry are:
- children aged between 6 months and 6 years;
- Health workers;
- pregnant and postpartum women;
- seniors over 60;
- public school teachers;
- transport professionals.
What are the most common symptoms of the flu?
- Fever > 38 ºC;
- Tiredness;
- Dry cough or phlegm;
- Body ache;
- Heachache;
- Runny or stuffy nose.
When to see a doctor?
“People considered at risk, including the elderly, pregnant women, children under 5, immunosuppressed people and those with lung disease should seek medical attention when symptoms appear. But, regardless of whether they have a risk factor or not, there are signs that indicate the need for treatment, including for example oxygen saturation below 94% and shortness of breath. These are criteria that can classify the patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS),” says Dr. Gustavo Dittmar, an infectious disease specialist at the Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infectious Diseases at Sírio-Libanês Hospital.
Will water and bed solve the problem?
Since there is no specific treatment for viruses, in general therapeutic measures are supportive and symptomatic, that is, drugs are indicated to alleviate the condition, both by relieving headaches and muscle aches, decongesting the nose and reducing fever.
- Dipyrone or paracetamol are allies in milder flu conditions. They have analgesic and antipyretic action. If you are allergic or hypersensitive to the components of these drugs, consult your doctor.
- Water for fluid replacement and hydration, as well as being a component that helps reduce fever, relieve headaches, among other countless benefits.
- Rest is recommended because it is essential to save energy and use it so that the body can effectively fight the flu or cold.
In addition to the above-mentioned measures, a simple, economical and quick solution to decongest the nose is intranasal lavage with saline solution, especially in children with a lot of phlegm and a runny nose.
And is it antiviral?
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral that works by preventing the multiplication and blocking the action of the influenza virus. It is indicated for patients with influenza provided that treatment begins between the first and third day after the onset of symptoms and can be used by adults or children over 1 year of age under medical supervision and prescription.
“Tamiflu is also recommended for patients with flu-like symptoms and who live with people considered at risk, because it reduces the viral load, in addition to the symptoms, and thus can protect this more vulnerable person,” adds Dittmar.
Antibiotic for bacteria
The word antibiotic comes from the Greek anti (against) + BIOS (life), literally: against life or producing death. It is a substance capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Therefore, there is no basis for using this class of drugs to treat viral conditions. In the long term, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics poses a risk to public health, given the natural selection of resistant pathogens.
However, it is common for a flu-like condition to develop or be associated with a bacterial infection, such as bacterial pneumonia. In these overlapping conditions, antibiotics are still indicated based on medical examinations and monitoring.
Hygiene and rest
The measures adopted to avoid contamination by Covid-19 are also valid to prevent contagion by the influenza virus. In case of respiratory symptoms, in addition to the indications mentioned in this text, staying at home is a good measure to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce cases.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
