It turned cold, the flu started

In early September 2009, the first batch of vaccines was introduced. Swiss company Novartis AG announced that the H1N1 vaccine is safe and immune after two weeks of vaccination.

When the weather is cold, it is time to start the flu. In the northern hemisphere, flu epidemics are strong from September to February, months with low temperatures (cold).

The process of producing vaccines with chicken eggs.
(Source: AFP)

Flu outbreaks with new strains of virus

This year, along with the return of the regular flu epidemic every year, there is also an influenza pandemic with the new strain of H1N1 virus (including the genetic element of human influenza virus and bird flu virus in swine flu virus). This new strain of virus is unique in its ability to spread rapidly among people (through contact with patients), but the virus does not carry a strong toxicity, which is considered to be equivalent to normal flu types.

Because of the rapid spread of nature from people to people, now, on a global scale, countries are implementing specific policies and work to prevent the outbreak of this A / H1N1 flu.

How to prevent flu in daily life

- Cover your nose and mouth with a paper towel (disposable type) each time you cough or sneeze, and discard this tissue after use.

- Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Or wipe your hands with alcohol solution (75% alcohol solution).

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Most viruses spread through these paths.

- Responsibility for close contact (within 1 m) with infected people.

- During illness, avoid contact with many others to spread the disease to them.

Vaccination.(Source: AP)

Vaccinate flu vaccine

In early September 2009, the first batch of vaccines was introduced. The Swiss company Novartis AG has reported that the H1N1 vaccine is safe and immune after two weeks of vaccination.

The new vaccine A / H1N1 is only able to resist the new strain of A / H1N1. Not a regular flu vaccine (happening every year). Influenza A / H1N1 vaccine is preferred for those with weak immune systems, young children, pregnant women and people with asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease.

Regarding the regular flu vaccination, the disease management agency has advised people to get regular flu vaccine (the flu happens every year) first. Influenza is caused by many strains of the virus so regular flu vaccines (including 3 regular strains of influenza virus) prevent common flu, many people get sick every year.

Flu vaccines are important (prioritized) for people with weak immune systems (weak immune resistance), the elderly (over 65) or young children, pregnant women and people with diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease. In addition, vaccination is also very important for people whose daily work is exposed to many people such as providing services and medical staff.

Workshop on influenza A / H1N1.(Source: Reuters)

Take medicine as directed

- Anti-viral drugs instructed by health agencies can treat common flu or new virus A / H1N1.

- Antiviral drugs (in the form of tablets, solution, nasal spray) are able to resist the growth of viruses in the patient's body.

- Anti-influenza medicine works to make people sick with influenza less and get better quickly. It is also possible to prevent complications from flu.

- In many countries (to combat drug-induced drug use disorder), antiviral drugs are administered and must be purchased with a prescription. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics.

- Antiviral drugs can have a serious effect on people who are seriously ill, people with influenza with complications, such as pregnant women, young children or people who are sick.

- Antiviral drugs are highly effective when used within two days of symptoms of influenza.

- Symptoms of flu include: fever (often high body temperature), headache, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, stuffy or stuffy nose, muscle pain and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting.

In summary, although flu season is coming to the Northern Hemisphere, including Vietnam, the prevention and protection of community health is the work of everyone from responsible agencies to individuals in life. daily.

With scientific knowledge, application to life, people can avoid disease by having stated in the main method of preventing influenza in daily life.

If more careful, you can join flu vaccination programs to avoid getting sick during the flu season. In case you feel sick with flu, keep calm (fearless) and seek medical help quickly. If treated early, the patient will recover quickly.

Check body temperature at the airport.(Source: AP)