Colds and flu (flu) are common respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Both diseases have similar symptoms and it can be difficult to tell the difference at first. However, both have effects on the body such as weakening the immune system, limiting work productivity and creating conditions for many other viruses and bacteria to come into contact with the body.
The likelihood of catching a cold and flu is often higher during the rainy season due to sudden changes in weather. In this article, let’s join Prudential with tips to prevent colds and flu immediately to protect yourself and your loved ones in the rainy season.
1. The difference between a cold and the flu
People often talk about colds and flu (flu) together, but it’s important to realize colds and flu are different illnesses caused by different viruses. The flu is caused only by the influenza virus, while the common cold is caused by several different viruses, including rhinovirus, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronavirus.
In general, the flu is more severe than the common cold with more intense symptoms and a more sudden onset. Colds are usually milder and don’t cause serious health problems like pneumonia, a bacterial infection, or hospitalization like the flu.
2. What causes colds and flu
Other causes of colds and flu can come from outside environments such as schools, corporate offices or gyms, etc. These are common places where you have to be in close contact with people. infected person.
When a person with a cold coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the cold virus are released and can be passed from person to person. In addition, the virus can also be spread by close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or talking face-to-face with someone who has a cold. It should be noted that colds and flu are more common during the rainy season when people spend more time indoors together, increasing the chance of infection.
3. Symptoms of colds and flu
A cold can cause a blocked or runny nose, red, watery eyes, sore throat, cough, sneeze, and generally feeling tired and unwell. Less common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, headache, swollen lymph nodes (glands), fever, and hoarseness. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people with the flu.
While it can be difficult to tell the flu from a cold, flu symptoms usually come on more quickly and you’re more likely to have a high fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, cough, chills, and feeling sick. Hot and cold.
4. Subjects susceptible to colds and flu
Almost anyone can catch colds and flu, but children are the most susceptible because their immune systems are weaker than adults. At the same time, children often have a habit of touching their eyes, nose or mouth without washing their hands (hand-to-mouth communication), making it easier for the virus to enter. In addition, susceptible subjects are the elderly over 65 years of age and adults with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
The flu is unlikely to cause serious illness in healthy people. However, the disease can be aggravated in people with chronic diseases, people with weakened immune systems (due to drugs or illness), pregnant women, the very young, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases. steam. In addition, people who are in poor health and smoke cigarettes are more likely to have infections with more severe symptoms.
5. Secrets to staying away from colds and flu
Colds and flu are caused by viruses and cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, we can do the following to increase our resistance and stay away from cold viruses:
Adjust your diet
The best way to prevent colds and flu is to eat nutritious foods to boost your immune system and keep your body from getting sick. Some recommended effective foods include:
- Ginger
Ginger’s potent anti-inflammatory properties are key to fighting a cold or flu. Since inflammation can affect the body’s immune response, anti-inflammatory ginger can play an important role in boosting your immunity.
- Garlic
Garlic is a common and nutrient-rich ingredient in the daily diet. Garlic contains many anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help fight infections and some seasonal health problems.
- Greek Yogurt
Yogurt is a rich source of essential beneficial bacteria (probiotics) for the body. Probiotics are good bacteria that help support the immune system. You should make sure to choose plain yogurt and limit added sugar for maximum nutritional benefits.
- Green vegetables
Spinach, kale, and other green leafy vegetables can also help boost your immune system when you have the flu. It’s a good source of many immune-boosting nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and K. You can also consider adding greens to your fruit smoothies or eating them raw with lemon and olive oil for an extra boost. than cooking.
In addition, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have also been shown to help boost immunity. The researchers confirmed that sulforaphane, a chemical found in fruits and vegetables, acts on genes and antioxidant enzymes in immune cells, helping to fight free radicals in the body and prevent disease. .
Vitamin C Supplement
Adding vitamin C in your daily meals is very important as it helps to prevent and cure colds during the rainy season so that you don’t face any health problems. A good amount of vitamin C will help fight the cold and replenish antibodies that help prevent cold-related infections for a healthier you.
Tomatoes and citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, oranges, etc. are rich in vitamin C. It is very important to supplement vitamin C during flu and cold season because vitamin C contains antioxidants that help enhance immunity. immunity and nourish the body from the inside.
Rest and get enough sleep
Proper sleep is considered to be an effective way against any kind of infection caused during the rainy season and therefore you need to get enough sleep for your immune system to become stronger. You’ll need at least seven to eight hours of sleep each day to allow enough time to repair and replace aging cells, tissues, and muscles. The body’s immune system needs to be strong enough to prevent your body from being attacked by viruses and bacteria that are common during the monsoon season.
Dental hygiene
Using nasal drops or sprays can help clear congestion in the short term (two to three times per day). In addition, you should use mouthwash and cough lozenges to soothe your throat.
6. Summary
It can be seen that most of us can be susceptible to colds and flu, so it is necessary to make lifestyle changes and a healthy diet as possible to strengthen the immune system against the onslaught of the virus. cause feelings. The human body fights daily to ward off viruses and bacteria, so we need to take care of ourselves in the proper way to protect not only ourselves but also those around us.
Leave a Reply