How to protect yourself from the flu and cold?

The flu is an acute viral infection that is easily transmitted from person to person.

06 September 2021

Flu symptoms can suddenly develop and have the following symptoms: high fever, general intoxication, cough, rarely sore throat.

Compared to other respiratory diseases, the flu is much more severe and is characterized by the sharp seasonality.

Particular attention should be paid to people over 50, pregnant women, children under 2 years old, those with a weak immune system. The risk group also includes people who suffer from chronic lung and heart diseases, diabetes, anemia, and renal failure.

Contact your doctor immediately if you complain about the following symptoms: high fever (more than 3 days), severe intoxication, difficulty breathing, cyanosis of the nasolabial area, chest pain.

The therapist at the National Center of Surgery, Elene Zhorzholiani, advises how to protect yourself from the flu and cold.

It is advised to follow these recommendations:

Exercise, be physically active;
Avoid stress;
Drink fluid;
Eat food rich in vitamins;
Often wash your hands with soap;
Do not touch the objects touched by a patient with the flu;
Avoid crowded places;
Use a medical mask;
Wash the dishes and linen of the infected patient separately with chlorinated detergent in hot water;
Have alcohol-based wet wipes with you while traveling;
Try not to touch the eyes, nose, and mouth;
Avoid contact with people who have the flu;
Get enough sleep so that your body is fully rested;
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a handkerchief or a bent arm;
Use napkins/handkerchief once;
Rinsing the mouth and throat with warm saline will alleviate a sore throat;
Cold pads on the forehead, shoulder, and legs will alleviate the discomfort caused by fever;
During the flu season, take large quantities of immunity-enhancing food: garlic, ginger, aloe vera, etc.
Drink 1-2 glasses of warm milk every day.