Your immune system is responsible for defending you against any type of infection or disease, but did you know that you can help it to work better? A virus like covid19 shows us that prevention measures must cover different areas of our lives to be effective.

Influenza and covid are different types of viruses that share symptoms and respond to the same preventive measures. Although the behaviour of the two diseases is different, both can have serious consequences among the most vulnerable population. At a time of year when flu can affect thousands of people who will require health care and in the face of the constant threat of the pandemic in which we now live, preventive habits are more important than ever.

The aim is not only to protect our health in a way that is  The aim is not only to prevent overcrowding of the health care system in the event that covid19 admissions increase.

How you can protect yourself against viruses

The change of season will mean that the coronavirus and the influenza virus will be living together for several months. In order to protect ourselves effectively, the following factors should be taken into account:

• Always wear your mask correctly, use hydroalcoholic gel if you are away from home or wash your hands regularly.
• Clean the bathroom and kitchen properly using a disinfectant product, leaving it to act for several minutes before rinsing.
• Ventilate your home or enclosed spaces where you are frequently present to prevent the build-up of possible viruses.
• It is important to remember that the virus is transmitted, above all, by our own emissions, if we are infected, when we talk, cough or sneeze. This is why the recommendation to keep a social distance and avoid gatherings is so strong; it has been shown that these are the times when the most contagion hotspots have been activated.

A study has recently been published on the 28-day permanence of covid on plastic surfaces like those on a credit card. The research was conducted in laboratory conditions and at a light level below that which helps to destroy the virus, but is indicative of covid-19 resistance.

Improve your diet. Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol and other harmful habits. Fruit and vegetables should not be missing from your daily diet because of their vitamin content. Complete your diet with lean meat and oily fish among other healthy foods. Vitamin C is especially beneficial in the fight against influenza.

The food supplements tThey are also a way of protecting yourself from the inside.

What are the differences between the COVID virus and the influenza virus?

Coronavirus causes COVID and influenza causes influenza. Although both diseases affect the respiratory tract and share some symptoms, it is necessary to know and compare the symptomatology in case of a case, and know how to proceed. and whether we should go to a medical centre or isolate ourselves to avoid infecting others.

- The flu symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, tiredness and diarrhoea.

- The symptoms of COVID are the same as above, but with the addition of others such as a feeling of tightness of breath or choking, loss of taste or smell and vomiting, mental confusion or difficulty in staying awake. Conjunctivitis or loss of colour in the fingers are symptoms that have been identified more recently.

If left untreated, influenza can lead to pneumonia, pericarditis, multi-organ failure and even life-threatening sepsis. COVID adds to this the formation of clots and thrombi mainly in the heart, legs and lungs. In children, it can cause a multisystemic inflammatory syndrome of uncertain prognosis.

Likewise, flu first shows symptoms within 48 hours of infection, COVID can take up to 15 days.. The level of contagiousness is reduced in influenza to one day before it starts to affect you; COVID has a level of contagiousness that can last for several weeks.

What should you do if you suffer from either disease?

If you have doubts and do not know whether you suffer from one or the other, the best thing to do is to undergo a PCR test to find out for sure. The treatment will be as follows:

- If the diagnosis of influenza you will be prescribed specific antiviral drugs. Antipyretics, antitussives and mucolytics will be added to the prescription. In this article you will also find guidelines on how to cope with the flu. 

- If you suffer from COVIDThe only drug that has confirmed efficacy is Remdesivir. However, the administration of this drug is only indicated in hospitalised patients requiring oxygen and in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants. Moreover, different studies show different results on the efficacy of Remdesivir.

We advise you to call the patient helpline or go to your nearest health centre or hospital as soon as you notice the symptoms described above for more than two days in a row. Time is against you in both cases and prevention is always your best ally. If you are in one of the risk groups for any of these ailments, follow the advice of the health authorities.

Remember that your immune system is reinforced by your diet and the preventive measures you put into practice. You are sure to find it easy to put the above tips into practice in order to maintain optimal health.