Primary Prevention of Influenza

Widely known as the flu, influenza is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people get hospitalized during flu season (which usually occurs in the wintertime). Thousands die from flu complications, the most common of which is pneumonia. Influenza usually occurs as an epidemic, affecting many people at once. School children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases are more susceptible to catching the flu, although it affects all age groups. To avoid being infected by the influenza virus, it is important to strengthen the immune system and take some precautions.

Vaccination

• To protect against seasonal flu, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting yearly seasonal flu vaccination shots. While there are many kinds of flu, the seasonal vaccination protects against three of the most common kinds of seasonal flu. Getting vaccinated is especially recommended for those who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications, particularly the elderly (those who are 65 years and older), children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases such as asthma, heart and lung disease and diabetes. Vaccination is also highly recommended (and sometimes required) for health care workers and those who live with and care for people with a high risk of developing complications.

Precautions

• The influenza virus travels from person to person. The most common way of getting infected is when a respiratory droplet from an infected person is inhaled by another person directly or indirectly. Thus, it is important that one always covers one's mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Also, the tissue should be properly disposed of afterward. Washing the hands with soap and water regularly, especially after coughing or sneezing, will also help. Germs easily get in the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. For this reason, one should avoid touching these areas as much as possible. Contact with sick people should also be avoided.

Containment

• If a person gets the flu, the CDC suggests that it is best to stay home from school or work for an average of seven days after the symptoms have begun. The infected person should also limit contact with others so as not to spread the virus.

Diet and Exercise

• Staying healthy and building a strong immune response are vital to prevent infection. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is highly recommended. For those who are not able to complete a recommended daily diet, supplementation is advisable. Exercising at least 20 minutes every other day is a good way to keep the body strong too.

Antiviral Drugs

• If recommended by a doctor, antiviral drugs may be used to help prevent or treat the influenza virus, especially mutations and newer strains of it. Otherwise, the methods mentioned above will serve as suitable preventive measures.