Influenza-This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.
As Flu activity tends to ramp up starting around now and late October, yet another virus — influenza — is upon us. Over the past two years these restrictions have reduced/prevented the spread of the covid as well as the flu virus. With the relaxing of covid restraints, logic would suggest, this year the opportunistic virus will spread more freely than before. Many fear it’s going to be a worse year for illness than we’ve seen in the last few years. Our somewhat more sheltered immune systems haven’t been as exposed to circulating viruses that choose human hoists to multiply in. Lifted travel restrictions will also assist influenzas transmission leaving people more susceptible this year.
Staying healthy- We all can play our part.
At this stage, we are all probably sick and tired of masks but masking up is a simple step to reduce the spread of a lot of respiratory viruses, not just covid. And in the early Autumn, there can be plentiful amounts of viruses circulating because of the back-to-school spread. Wearing high-quality, well-fitting masks can provide reassurance and a base layer of protection from the common cold. Surgical masks are more protective than cloth masks, but if that’s not possible cloth is better than nothing at all.
Symptoms of the flu virus and Covid-19 are similar — both can include runny nose, cough, fever, fatigue, body aches or headache- and therefore should be avoided where possible Limiting activities and exposures to others if you or they are feeling unwell makes sense as many viruses — including influenza — are spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Sick people can leave viruses and bacteria’s behind on doorknobs, handles and other commonly touched surfaces, which can transfer to your hands — and then to your nose and mouth. Poor infection prevention and control causes flus to spread. Simple measures such as washing hands and maintaining good hygiene will help fight against the common cold and keep you fighting fit.
To jab or not to jab that is the question:
Recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons. Two factors that play an important role in determining the likelihood that vaccination will protect a person from flu illness include characteristics of the person being vaccinated (such as their age and health) and secondly if the most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to those used to make flu vaccines.
Waiting to get your vaccine can make sense for several reasons but again I would like to reiterate I am not a health professional! Infectious disease epidemiologist experts in America have shown people are more likely to encounter the flu virus in the winter rather than in the early Autumn. As the protection afforded by the flu vaccine wanes over time, the experts believe waiting to get jabbed is a good idea. On the plus side the vaccine may still partially protect you after seven or eight months, therefore getting the flu vaccine early is better than not getting it at all. Antiviral drugs are an important second line of defence to treat the flu. These drugs are not a substitute for vaccination and must be prescribed by a health care provider.
Viral infections and antibiotics
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, but influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics aren’t effective treatment for the flu. In fact, antibiotics may do more harm than good if you have the flu as they can cause other health problems. That’s because viruses infect your body in a different way than bacteria. Viruses infect your cells and multiply inside of them. For the virus, your cells act as a sort of “Trojan horse” so they can reproduce. Because they hide in your cells, antibiotics can’t affect viruses in the same way. Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. The world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics as resistance is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and leads to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. Even if new medicines are developed, without behaviour change, antibiotic resistance will remain a major threat.
Conclusion
Although it’s stressful to think about yet another virus to avoid this Autumn and Winter, simple seasonal precautions mentioned above can reduce your likelihood of contamination. The same steps we’ve practised meticulously over the last number of years to prevent Covid-19 will also prevent the spread of the influenza. You can reduce your risk of the flu by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and washing your hands — and none of these strategies, thankfully, are difficult to do. Plenty of rest and staying on top of your nutrition will also benefit your immune system and help you remain fighting fit this Winter!