Seasonal Flu: Arrives Early
Seasonal influenza has emerged earlier than expected this year, While the vaccination campaign will not start until mid-October. This progress has brought many surprises, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and those with chronic diseases.
Infection
One of the most dangerous aspects of the flu is that it can be contagious even before symptoms appear. Infected people begin to transmit the virus about 36 to 48 hours before they start showing signs of illness, and they can continue to transmit the virus for up to seven days after that. This means that apparently healthy individuals may unwittingly contribute to the spread of the virus. In particular, young children and people with serious illnesses or weakened immune systems may remain contagious for longer periods, increasing the risk of transmission.
How is influenza transmitted?
Influenza is spread mainly through droplets of saliva and mucus released when coughing, sneezing, or talking at close range. However, the virus can also live for short periods on surfaces and objects, such as handles, tissues or faucets, making indirect transmission possible. This is why the virus spreads more easily in closed, crowded environments such as schools, offices and public transportation.
Flu Symptoms: How to Recognize Them
Influenza presents with fairly characteristic symptoms, usually with a sudden onset. The most common symptoms include fever (between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius), chills, headache, and widespread muscle pain, often described as a “bone-breaking” sensation. In addition, respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, nasal congestion and sore throat may occur. In some cases, gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and abdominal cramps may also appear. The disease lasts on average 3 to 4 days, but fatigue and a feeling of exhaustion can persist for a week or two after recovery.
Who is at risk: High risk groups
Although influenza is generally a benign illness, some groups of people are at higher risk of developing complications. This includes the elderly, children under five, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory or cardiovascular disease. For them, the most common complications include bronchitis, pneumonia, and worsening of pre-existing conditions.
How to prevent influenza
To protect yourself from the flu, it is important to follow some simple and basic hygiene rules.Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick people are all measures that help reduce the risk of infection. In addition, it is recommended to ventilate indoor spaces regularly and not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
Vaccination: The most effective method
Influenza vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus. Protection develops within two weeks of taking it, so the ideal period for vaccination is from mid-October to the end of December, but this year the flu seems to have arrived early, so it is advisable to protect yourself enough to get the vaccination in a healthy way. The early arrival of seasonal influenza this year makes it even more urgent to take preventive measures and get vaccinated. By following hygiene rules and then getting vaccinated, it is possible to significantly reduce the spread of the virus, protecting yourself and those most at risk.
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