With the change of season and the arrival of autumn, the first flu period also begins. For our body, autumn is the period of stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever and even gastrointestinal problems. Like every year, we know that if we want to avoid getting sick during this period, the best move to do is not to underestimate prevention. Strengthening the immune system with specific supplements and foods, but also following many small precautions (such as washing your hands often if we go to public places) to avoid contagion, are some of the best practices to follow in terms of prevention. Knowing some facts about seasonal flu can also help you with treatment or prevention.
5 Aspects on influenza useful for preventing it
- Because it is easier to get the flu in autumn or winter
When it is cold, viruses are transmitted more easily. In fact, during the winter we are more inclined to spend time indoors to stay warm, but it is precisely in this way that the chances of contagion increase. Furthermore, during temperature changes the so-called cilia of the respiratory system become blocked, reducing the protective barrier and exposing us more easily to viruses.
- What is the difference between cold and flu
To be considered flu, it must respond to three very specific characteristics: high fever (over 38 degrees), muscle and joint pain, respiratory disorders such as colds, sore throats and coughs. In all the others it is not the flu, but only respiratory infections.
- How the flu infection works
Viruses are transmitted by saliva droplets that are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A single sneeze can contain around 40,000 micro droplets that can travel at over 300 km / h! To avoid contagion it is good to cover your nose and mouth when you have coughs and you have to sneeze, you need to wash your hands often and above all stay at home to rest so as not to risk infecting other people.
- Men and women react differently to viruses
In fact, there are no gender differences when it comes to influenza viruses. Women and men are exposed and react the same way to the infection. On a psychological level, however, women respond more resolutely to the disease, thus accelerating the healing process.
- Because it is more risky for the elderly to get the flu
As we age, the immune system becomes less efficient in fighting the flu viruses, which thus have a better chance of multiplying and causing damage. Furthermore, in the over 65s it is more frequent to already find other pathologies due to age such as heart disease, respiratory problems or diabetes. In these cases, not only does the virus find an already weakened body where it can proliferate more easily, but also the anti-flu therapy often becomes delicate. Often the drugs used to counteract the flu can be contraindicated due to possible unfavorable interactions with other ongoing therapies. If we are cold or flu, it is better to stay away from grandparents especially if the children (main carriers of the virus) are the ones who are sick.
Strengthen the immune system in a natural way: the effectiveness of Echinacea
Echinacea is a plant used for therapeutic purposes already by the American Indians who used it to heal coughs, sore throats but also to treat snake bites. Today the properties of this plant have also been declared effective by official science. Echinacea is a valid natural aid to strengthen the immune defenses, thanks above all to the synergistic action of its components which all together develop the energy necessary to strengthen the body and ensure the improvement of the state of health.
Echinacea – based supplementsthey strengthen the immune defenses making them able to react more quickly to external stimuli, but without influencing the antibody-producing cells, behaving properly as an immunostimulant. The advantage of immunostimulating products is their ability to protect the body from all external agents, not limited to a particular disease. To enjoy the maximum effectiveness of Echinacea supplements, it is advisable to take them as soon as the first colds arrive. In this way you strengthen the natural immune defenses and protect yourself from flu and seasonal ailments.
To learn about other natural remedies useful for strengthening the immune defenses, read also Strengthens the immune system naturally and download the in-depth study The new natural cures for a healthy winter.
