How To Protect Yourself From The Flu This Fall?
As summer turns to fall, temperatures drop, the wind blows more gently and people start to get sick more. The peak of the flu season hits fall and winter, and many of us go through at least one runny nose before spring comes. But are there ways to protect against the flu, or is the illness just a must-have?
Why does the flu usually strike in the fall or winter?
Many blame the cold and rainy weather for their illness, but in reality, the flu is always the result of a viral infection. Autumn and winter are the golden age of the flu, which is the result of seasonal variation in viruses. Similar variation is also found in warm countries, where heat levels never fall to the same level as in Finland.
Autumn usually marks the beginning of the flu season, while winter has a higher risk of contracting the RS and influenza viruses. One possible cause of the flu flu epidemics in the fall is considered to be the congestion of people together indoors, such as schools and kindergartens, which facilitates the spread of viruses from one person to another.
Dry and cold weather dries the nasal mucosa, making it easier for viruses to enter the airways. According to some sources, cold weather also lowers a person’s resistance. In the autumn, therefore, many criteria will be met that will facilitate the spread of viruses.
Does Vitamin C Prevent The Flu?
Although many people think that vitamin C intake prevents the flu, the link between it and resistance has not been scientifically proven. According to some experts, high vitamin C intake may be beneficial for hard-working athletes, but for basic health, vitamin C has not been found to be helpful in preventing the flu.
Nor does drinking plenty of water prevent the flu virus from infecting, although some believe so. However, consuming fluids during the flu is important as it helps reduce mucus and congestion.
In contrast, scientific studies suggest that zinc intake may reduce the risk of developing flu in children. It can also shorten the duration of symptoms in adults by a third.
A healthy and balanced diet and the intake of the necessary vitamins and trace elements have a positive effect on a person’s resistance, which can reduce the amount of runny nose fever. No drug or other preparation has been shown in studies to be particularly effective in preventing the flu.
How to protect yourself from the flu this fall?
As described above, no single drug or preparation will completely protect us from the flu. You should take care of your own resistance by eating healthily, sleeping well and exercising.
The best way to try to avoid infection is to take care of hand hygiene by washing your hands often enough, as flu viruses are most effectively transmitted by hand contact. When you have the flu, you should try to avoid shaking hands, and when moving with people, it is recommended to cough on your own sleeve or handkerchief.
