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Doctors explain how to protect yourself from getting sick in winter
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As temperatures drop and families return to normal life after the holidays, the likelihood of spreading or catching winter respiratory illnesses such as influenza, commonly known as the flu, increases.
doctor talking harrij times Causes, types, high-risk groups, tips to prevent infection, etc. are explained.
Influenza is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. In most cases, while the condition is not serious and patients recover without any medical intervention, there are certain age groups that are more prone to serious complications. In patients who may develop severe infection, the disease has the potential to be life-threatening, so preventive measures and strategies are critical in protecting vulnerable members of society.
There are three common strains of influenza that infect humans, with others circulating only among animals. The main culprits for the rise in seasonal flu are influenza A and influenza B. These strains infect humans and cause the virus to circulate during the winter months, while infections at other times of the year can be attributed to influenza C viruses.
The groups most at risk are
Dr. Imadeddin Barakat, internal medicine specialist at Danat Al Emarat Women’s and Children’s Hospital, said that while influenza is considered a mild illness in most cases, some people are at higher risk than others for contracting the disease and developing serious complications.
“These groups include children under the age of two, seniors over the age of 65, healthcare workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart, kidney and liver diseases, And people who are battling obesity. All of these groups are at higher risk of contracting the virus and developing severe disease,” Dr. Barakat said.
The flu shot is the best preventive measure
Dr. Imad Salman, consultant family medicine at Healthpoint, says the best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year.
“The flu shot is the best way to avoid complications. While getting vaccinated does not completely prevent infection and symptoms, it is an effective option for reducing complications when exposed to the virus. Other tips to reduce the chance of infection include avoiding close contact with infected people, Stay home when you have flu-like symptoms to prevent spreading the illness to others, cover your cough, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, in addition to practicing general hygiene and disinfection procedures.”
Influenza and Children: How It Spreads
Dr Salman emphasized that the spread of infection occurs through coughing, sneezing and talking with other people in close quarters. Children play an important role in the indirect transmission of the virus in communities and households. Spread of the virus is accelerated by children touching surfaces with respiratory droplets from an infected person and by infrequent handwashing. Influenza is most likely to be spread by an infected person during the first to third day of infection, when symptoms are more pronounced.
“We advise patients to get a flu shot, even if they have had the flu before in the same season. There are many benefits to getting vaccinated. After 14 days, when a person is vaccinated, their immune system is at its best against the virus and Continue until the end of the flu season,” Dr Salman said.
pregnant women, diabetics
Dr Sana Dhouibi, a family medicine GP at the HealthPlus Family Clinics, said the flu shot was safe during pregnancy and could reduce the risk of flu.
“Pregnant women infected with influenza are at higher risk of severe complications compared with non-pregnant patients. Therefore, women who plan to become pregnant should be vaccinated against seasonal influenza to avoid possible complications during pregnancy. Even during pregnancy, Getting vaccinated is also safe because it helps build immunity, which ultimately reduces the chances of complications and the need for hospitalization.”
Dr. Dhouibi emphasized that for people with diabetes, the flu often causes high blood sugar and changes in appetite and eating habits.
“People with diabetes and flu-like symptoms should monitor blood sugar levels constantly and seek medical advice if blood sugar levels change. We encourage everyone to get a seasonal flu vaccine, especially pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and those six months and older children.”
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