17 JANUARY – DAY OF PREVENTION OF FLU AND ARI

Flu (fr.grippe) Is an acute respiratory tract infection, influenza virus.
The word "flu" in French means "to grasp". Thus, even the name speaks of the insidious nature of the disease.

The flu spreads in the form of epidemics and pandemics. More than 2000 virus variants. In most cases, influenza is caused by influenza viruses: A, AT, C.
The transmission of the influenza virus from person to person is very simple and invisible.: conversation, cough, sneezing and the risk of infection is in every person. The highest risk of spreading infection in children's groups. The easiest prey for influenza is people with weakened immune systems..
Influenza is dangerous with complications, and no other infection has so many complications!
After the flu, you may experience:
1. Complications of the respiratory system: pneumonia (can be viral, and bacterial), tracheobronchitis.
2. Complications of the cardiovascular system: collaptoid state, myocarditis of a viral nature, lowering blood pressure.
3. Neurovascular complications: encephalopathy, meningoencephalitis, meningitis.
4. Complications against the background of a secondary infection - angina, sinusitis, nephritis, pneumonia.
5. Infectious toxic shock.
6. Exacerbations of chronic diseases. It is these complications that are the direct cause of death after the flu..
To protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu and its severe consequences, preventive measures should be followed.
Prevention measures include:
Vaccination – the main and most effective method of prevention. It does not guarantee 100% protection against the flu, but either prevents the onset of the disease, or it proceeds easily and without complications. Immunity to the virus remains from one and a half to 8-10 months.
Nonspecific medicines. These include immunomodulators, vitamins, drugs that stimulate the production of interferon. Used at the time of a flu epidemic. These drugs are prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Non-drug methods.
• Avoid close contact with people, which seem unhealthy, detect heat phenomena (temperature) and cough;
• Practice hand hygiene - wash your hands more often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially in case of touching the mouth, nose;
• Avoid crowded places or shorten time spent in crowded places;
• Try not to touch your mouth and nose;
• Wear protective masks when in contact with a sick person;
• Increase the flow of fresh air into living quarters, open windows as often as possible;
• Adhere to a healthy lifestyle: full sleep, balanced diet, physical activity, regular walks in the fresh air. Daily walks in the fresh air, ventilation of premises at home and at work.