Flu and cold are not the same thing! Both diseases are viral in origin, transmitted through droplets of saliva or nasal secretions containing these microorganisms, and present as symptoms: tiredness, indisposition, muscle pain, runny nose and pain from throat. However, when the subject has the flu, they are more intense and disabling, often making them unable to get out of bed. High fever, of sudden onset, also tends to be part of the flu picture. These symptoms appear within a week of exposure to the virus, and last for approximately five days.
Occurring in all parts of the world, it is caused by the Influenza virus: an RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae Family, highly contagious and with great capacity for mutation. There are three types of Influenza viruses: A, B and C. The last two affect only our species, with type C being the mildest and least frequent. Influenza A, on the other hand, is capable of infecting several animal species, and is also responsible for flu epidemics and pandemics. This is classified into subtypes, according to the arrangement of the molecules on its surface.
In the 20th and 21st centuries there were three pandemics: the Spanish flu, between 1918 and 1919, caused by H1N1; the Asian flu, 1957 – 1958, by H2N2; and influenza A (previously called swine flu) in 2009, with H1N1 being responsible for it.
Children between 6 and 23 months of age, the elderly, people with chronic diseases and immunocompromised individuals are generally more susceptible to this viruses, as they tend to have a more fragile immune system and, therefore, the risks of developing complications, such as bacterial pneumonia, are larger. Thus, it is indicated that these individuals, and also health professionals, get vaccinated annually against the flu.
Prevention:
Balanced and healthy diet; ingestion of liquids, preferably not too cold; sleep at least eight hours a day; and regular exercise - measures necessary to stay healthy and with an active immune system, preventing incidences of flu and a range of other illnesses. In addition to these measures, it is worth mentioning:
• Always wash your hands with soap and water;
• Avoid human settlements, especially if there are sick people in these places;
• In flu outbreaks, use masks when their use is indicated by the authorities;
• Get vaccinated annually, if you belong to the risk group (elderly people, immunocompromised, etc.).
Important:
Do you have the flu? Rest, plenty of fluids and a balanced diet are essential. In cases of fever, make cold compresses. And remember that only the doctor is able to recommend an appropriate remedy for this situation. Don't self-medicate!
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THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS:
Self-medication can have unwanted and unanticipated effects, as the wrong medicine not only does not cure, it can worsen your health.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
