To protect against the flu, here are three steps you can follow:
Get yourself and
your family fully vaccinated – follow the pediatric vaccine schedule for children, and get an annual flu shot for adults.Getting the vaccine every year is important since flu virus variants evolve, and flu shots are developed according to the latest strain identified by the WHO.
Wash your hands regularly using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and disinfect frequently touched items.
Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, increase ventilation in rooms, and mask up in crowded public spaces.
These steps can help you lessen your chance of getting infected with the flu. Still, keep an eye out for any flu signs – like fever, chills, cough, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, and more.
PNS | Hyderabad
The flu season starts as winter peaks in tropical and subtropical areas during the monsoon season. Due to a concerning global phenomenon known as “immunity debt,” researchers have warned that the flu burden this season could be significant.The lack of exposure to common viruses is the result of social withdrawal and mask use over the previous two years. According to studies by Taslim Ali and colleagues, the population’s susceptibility to influenza infection is now believed to have grown by 10% to 60% as a result of the removal of pandemic limitations (2022).
This might cause the current 2022–23 flu season to increase one to four times. Data gathered in 2022 in India already indicates a dramatic increase in instances throughout Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, and other states. The number of cases of swine flu in the nation is also skyrocketing, with a purported 15-fold increase over the previous year.
“Influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease, and there are a variety of steps that people may implement to protect themselves and their families from its linked health concerns,” said Dr. Jejoe Karan Kumar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India. Broaden the population’s layers of protection against influenza, is crucial for both youngsters and at-risk adults.
Dr L Jayanthi Reddy, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Director & Founder of JJ Hospital, S.R. Nagar, Hyderabad said, “In Hyderabad, we have seen 3-4 times rise in the number of flu cases. To tackle this rise, it is important for more people to understand how the flu can affect different groups, and why protection against it is vital. Supporting increased vaccine uptake across the population and other preventive measures can help more individuals be safeguarded from the flu. It can also be managed with key steps including treating symptoms, and with rest and good nutrition.”
In case you get the flu, here are 4 simple ways to manage symptoms this winter:
Stay at home and rest: Especially during the first few days of the flu, you need to take it easy and get some rest. As the days become colder and it becomes harder to get out of bed, you can take advantage of this and curl up under some blankets and nap, read, or watch some television as you recover and regain energy.
Drink plenty of fluids: Comforting broth-based winter soups (like chicken noodle soup) and non-caffeinated hot herbal teas (like ginger and chamomile) are key to fighting the flu. Also, don’t overlook the benefits of hot water with lemon, coconut water, or fresh fruit juice in easing your symptoms.
Eat well: While you may not want to eat much when you’re sick, good nutrition is important. Consume a good amount of seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, strawberries and more, as well as winter vegetables like spinach and sweet potatoes. Spicy foods – with hot peppers, ginger, and turmeric –also reduce inflammation and counter congestion.
Steam: Especially if you have a stuffy nose, take a hot shower, or breathe in the steam to clear up your nasal passages. This can also help you keep warm.
Beyond these steps, you should consult your doctor if your symptoms take a turn for the worse, so you can get the proper care you may need, take care of yourself, and feel better quickly.
