The respiratory system is constantly attacked by disease-causing microorganisms. Diseases that occur in the nose, ear and throat areas as a result of this attack are called upper respiratory tract infections. Upper respiratory tract infections are a group of diseases that are very common among people, cause serious loss of labour force and lead to significant antibiotic abuse. The incidence of the disease is higher between autumn and spring. Colds and flu are the most common upper respiratory tract infections.
These two diseases are often confused and used interchangeably. While the common cold is a mild upper respiratory tract infection caused by nearly two hundred viruses, influenza, also known as influenza, is a serious disease caused by 3 types of influenza viruses, including different findings such as high fever and cough, which can cause epidemics and is of social importance because it causes death due to other diseases. The influenza A H1N1 virus, called swine flu virus, was first seen in 2009 and caused an epidemic all over the world since there was no immunity in humans. After 2009, this virus type has continued to be seen in the world and in our country every year and has now been included among seasonal influenza viruses.
Symptoms of influenza occur within 1-3 days after exposure to the influenza virus. Fever, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, body aches, chills, diarrhoea and other symptoms last for about 7 days. The recovery period can last up to 2 weeks.
Influenza is transmitted by inhaling the droplets spread around by sick people as a result of coughing or sneezing, or by touching the surfaces contaminated with these droplets and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes with the hands.
Pregnant women, people over the age of 65 and under the age of 2, people with chronic diseases and people with suppressed immune systems in the risk group may have a more severe course of the disease compared to other people. Diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections may occur in these people.
The treatment of influenza is generally symptomatic and provides comfort to the patient. Medication should not be used except for the physician's advice. Antibiotics have no place in treatment.
The most important way to prevent influenza is to pay attention to personal hygiene rules and wash hands with plenty of soap and water. Vaccination is one of the ways to prevent influenza. Especially those in the risk group can get their flu vaccines during the flu season. Disposable paper handkerchiefs should be used when sneezing and coughing and should be thrown away after use. If there is no handkerchief, the mouth and nose should be covered by using the inner part of the arm. It is important for sick people not to be in crowded environments, not to leave home and to rest at home to prevent disease transmission. It is recommended that sick people take care to consume plenty of fluids, pay attention to nutrition, especially fresh vegetables and fruits.
Individuals with inadequate and unbalanced eating habits have a higher risk of catching colds and infectious diseases, and in case of illness, their diseases progress more severely. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium help to increase body resistance against colds, flu and other infections. Selenium plays an important role in the formation of resistance against influenza (flu) infection with its activity in the immune system; Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining the effectiveness of the immune system with its strong antioxidant properties. In addition, beta glucan obtained from bread yeast fungus has been shown to reduce the occurrence of symptomatic colds. Zinc, an important antioxidant, is one of the minerals that we need to take in a certain amount every day because it cannot be produced in our body. It is necessary for the development and proliferation of all cells in our body. Zinc supports growth and development, strengthens the immune system and increases resistance to diseases. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in the adequacy of the immune system, an increase in the rate of serious infections, and retardation of growth and development in both low- and high-income children. Zinc intake at the onset of symptoms, in the first 24 hours, reduces the duration and severity of colds. Zinc intake for at least 5 months reduces the incidence of colds, school absenteeism and antibiotic use in children.
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