Here we tell you how you can protect yourself against influenza before the arrival of the winter season.
The season of cold fronts and the low temperatures has arrived and with it the cases of respiratory diseases such as influenza increase.
That is why on this occasion we tell you how you can deal with this disease so that you do not spend the holidays sick.
what is influenza?
According to the Ministry of Health (Ssa) of the Federal Governmentdescribes influenza as an acute respiratory disease caused by a virus, but which is curable and controllable as long as it is treated quickly.
In Mexico there are three types of seasonal influenza which are: A(H1N1), A(H3N2) e Influenza B.
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This is how the virus is transmitted
You should know that you can be infected if you are in direct contact with people who are sick with some type of influenza.
so that you can acquire the virus,it might potentially be that they enter your body through droplets or aerosols of the patient’s saliva that are expelled when sneezing,coughing,greeting with a kiss,hand or hug,or simply when touching some surface with your hands. where said droplets have fallen.
Therefore, it is recommended to disinfect any surface near the patient, as well as use disposable tissues and place them in a trash can, in addition to using a face mask to reduce the risk of contagion.
What are the symptoms of flu?
The person carrying the virus of said respiratory disease will present some of the following symptoms. If so,avoid self-medication and go to a specialized doctor as quickly as possible:
- Nasal congestion
- Decay
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- headache
- Stomachache
- muscle pain
- Chest pain
- Pain when swallowing
- Nasal redness
- Runny nose
- Fever above 38 degrees
- Tos
What is the treatment to follow?
In the first instance
In addition to going to any public health center to receive the flu vaccine,the following measures can help you cope with the disease:
- Bundle up: Wear a hat,gloves,scarf,sweater,vest,jacket,coat,thick socks,or a face mask to keep yourself covered as much as possible in the cold temperatures.
- Eat fruits and vegetables: Especially those that are green or yellow, along with providing vitamin C to improve your body’s defenses.
- if possible,avoid contact with people who have respiratory diseases,in order to cut the chain of contagion.
- When you observe the presence of the aforementioned symptoms, go immediately to a doctor and avoid self-medication at all costs.
he Government of Mexico deployed the vaccination campaign against influenza and COVID-19 for the winter season 2024-2025.
In the case of influenza, the Ministry of Health reported that girls and boys from six months to four years and 11 months; pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy; people aged 60 or older; Those who are between 5 and 59 years old and who present any risk comorbidity may be vaccinated against the influenza virus.
The campaign started from the past October 15, 2024 y will remain until March 28, 2025 and you can go to get vaccinated at the vaccination centers; health units of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS or IMSS-Wellbeing) or institute of security and social Services of State Workers (ISSSTE); units of Mexican Petroleum (Pemex) or health services of the entities of the Mexican Republic.
LEO
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What are the key differences between influenza and the common cold?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Influenza Expert
time.news Editor: Good morning and welcome to our special segment on health as we approach the winter season. Today, we’re fortunate to have Dr. Maria Sanchez, a renowned epidemiologist, joining us to discuss how to protect ourselves from influenza, which tends to rise during colder months. Thank you for being here, Dr. Sanchez!
Dr. Sanchez: Good morning! thank you for having me. It’s essential to raise awareness about influenza,especially as winter approaches.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely.To start off,could you explain what influenza is and how it differs from other respiratory illnesses?
Dr. Sanchez: Certainly! Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. unlike the common cold, which can be caused by various viruses, influenza typically presents more severe symptoms. In Mexico, we mainly encounter three types of seasonal influenza: A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and Influenza B. While it can be serious, it is also treatable if caught early.
Time.news Editor: So, how exactly is influenza transmitted? What should we be mindful of to avoid infection?
Dr. Sanchez: The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. This can happen when someone carrying the virus coughs or sneezes, or even when they talk. You can also acquire the virus by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with droplets. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain good hygiene—regularly disinfecting surfaces, using disposable tissues, and wearing masks can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Time.news Editor: Those are excellent tips. As winter sets in, what symptoms should peopel look out for if they suspect they might have influenza?
Dr. Sanchez: Common symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometiems a dry cough or sore throat. Unlike a cold, influenza symptoms tend to come on fairly quickly and can feel more severe. If someone experiences these symptoms, especially with difficulty breathing, they should seek medical attention promptly.
Time.news Editor: That’s really helpful to know. Besides hygiene practices, are there any preventive measures you recommend to avoid getting sick during this season?
Dr. Sanchez: Yes! Getting vaccinated against influenza is the most effective measure. The vaccine is updated each year based on circulating strains. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—adequate sleep, good nutrition, and regular exercise—can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of infection.
Time.news Editor: Vaccination sounds crucial. However, I’ve heard some myths regarding the flu shot that might discourage people from getting it. Could you address any misconceptions?
Dr. sanchez: Certainly! One common myth is that the flu vaccine can give you the flu. This is not true; the vaccine contains inactivated viruses that cannot cause illness. Another misconception is that only older adults need the vaccine. In reality, people of all ages, especially those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, should get vaccinated.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for clarifying that! As we wrap up, what final advice would you like to share with our viewers about protecting themselves against influenza this winter?
Dr. Sanchez: I’d say stay informed, get your flu vaccine, practice good hygiene, and pay close attention to your health. If you do get sick, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice early. Prevention is always better than cure, especially during the winter months when respiratory illnesses climb.
Time.news Editor: Wise words, Dr. Sanchez. Thank you so much for your insights today. We hope our audience takes this details to heart and stays healthy this winter season!
Dr. Sanchez: Thank you for having me! Stay healthy, everyone!