4 groups of people most at risk of influenza
If you are on this list, try to strengthen your immune system.
Getting sick with the flu is not a pleasant adventure. Chills, fever and muscle aches are the main signs of the disease. If you start treatment on time and strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations, the body will cope with the virus in two to three weeks.
But there are risk groups. And those who enter them are at high risk of complications of infection: pneumonia, bronchitis, or exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Who is at risk of complications from influenza
People with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems.
If you have chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, or blood, liver or kidney disease, you are at risk for complications from the flu. The virus can develop into pneumonia, bronchitis, infectious ENT diseases.
The fact is that the immune system spends a lot of energy to support the body suffering from a chronic disease. The flu virus is an additional burden, and resources are no longer enough to fight it.
The same happens if there are diseases that reduce immunity (HIV / AIDS or leukemia), or if the person is taking medications or undergoing procedures. weakening the body’s defense system (chemotherapy, radiation, or chronic corticosteroids).
Age 50+.
Over the years, it becomes more difficult for the immune system to fight off harmful microbes. This increases the susceptibility to influenza and the development of complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or secondary bacterial infections. This is why people over the age of 50 are strongly advised not to neglect the flu vaccine.
Small children
Dangerous consequences from the transferred flu threaten children under 5 years old, and especially babies who have not yet turned 2 years old. Their immune systems are still developing and not strong enough to fight infections. This increases the likelihood that the flu could develop into something more serious, such as pneumonia, encephalopathy (a type of brain infection), or lead to dehydration.
Pregnant
Even for absolutely healthy women, pregnancy is a serious overload of the body. It causes changes in the immune system, heart and lungs that make expectant mothers more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses and germs. Because infections are severe, they can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.
If you or your loved ones, relatives are at risk, talk to your doctor about vaccinations and do not postpone your visit to the clinic. Vaccinations are the easiest way to prepare for cold season.
General practitioner, plastic surgeon Frau Klinik
FLU – acute respiratory viral infection caused by viruses of group A, B or C, occurring with damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Incubation period. From 6 hours to two days.
Symptoms. The onset of influenza is acute with a sharp malaise, an increase in temperature to 39-40 ° C. There is severe chills, intoxication. A runny nose and sore throat, dryness and perspiration, dry cough without phlegm, cramps in the eyes, their redness, lacrimation, hoarseness and congestion of the ears appear. There is a severe headache, with localizations in the forehead and nose, aggravated by eye movement. There is severe weakness, muscle aches, pain in the lower back and joints, impaired appetite with nausea. Fever persists for up to three to five days.
Diagnostics. The basis of the diagnosis of influenza is a typical clinic with an indication of the epidemic data. A swab – an imprint from the throat and nose with the release of a virus strain – confirms the diagnosis of influenza.
Treatment. Taking antiviral drugs. Shown bed rest, antipyretic drugs, drinking plenty of fluids, diet, interferon drugs, symptomatic therapy according to indications. In severe cases, a specific anti-influenza immunoglobulin is indicated.
Prevention. Flu vaccination. Refusal to visit crowded places during an epidemic, washing hands, regularly washing and moisturizing the nasal mucosa, rinsing the mouth, taking vitamin C.