How to prepare for winter. Preventing COVID and the flu

Your immune system is responsible for defending you against any type of infection or disease, but did you know that you can help it work better? A virus like COVID-19 shows us that preventive measures must cover different areas of our lives in order to be effective.

Influenza and COVID-19 are different types of viruses that share symptoms and respond to the same preventive measures. Although the behavior of both diseases is different, both can have serious consequences among the most vulnerable populations. At a time of year when influenza can affect thousands of people who will require healthcare, and given the constant threat of the pandemic we are currently experiencing, preventive habits are more important than ever.

The goal is not only to protect ourindividual health but also to prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed in the event of an increase in COVID-19 admissions.

How you can protect yourself against viruses

The change of season will cause the coronavirus and the flu virus to coexist for several months. When it comes to protecting ourselves effectively, we must take the following factors into account:

• Always wear your mask correctly, use hand sanitizer if you are outside your home, or wash your hands frequently.
• Clean the bathroom and kitchen thoroughly using a disinfectant product, leaving it to act for several minutes before rinsing.
• Ventilate your home or any enclosed spaces you frequently visit to prevent the accumulation of potential viruses.
• It is important to remember that the virus is transmitted mainly through our own emissions when we are infected, when we talk, cough, or sneeze. That is why the recommendation to maintain social distancing and avoid gatherings is so strong; it has been shown that these are the moments when outbreaks of infection are most likely to occur.

A study has recently been published on the 28-day survival of COVID-19 on plastic surfaces such as credit cards. The research was conducted under laboratory conditions and with light levels below those that contribute to destroying the virus, but it is indicative of the resistance of COVID-19.

Improve your diet. Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and other unhealthy habits. Fruit and vegetables should be a staple in your daily diet due to their vitamin content. Supplement your diet with lean meat and oily fish, among other healthy foods. Vitamin C is particularly beneficial for fighting the flu.

Dietary supplementsare alsoa way to protect yourself from within.

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

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

· The symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and diarrhea.

· The symptoms of COVID are the same as above, but others have been added, such as a feeling of tightness when breathing or shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, vomiting, mental confusion, or difficulty staying awake. Conjunctivitis and discoloration of the fingers are symptoms that have been identified more recently.

If left untreated, influenza can lead to pneumonia, pericarditis, multiple 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 multisystem inflammatory syndrome with an uncertain prognosis.

Similarly, the flu presents its first symptoms within 48 hours of infection, while COVID can take up to 15 days. The level of contagion for the flu is reduced one day before it begins to affect you, while COVID has a contagion level that can last for several weeks.

What should you do if you have either of these two diseases?

If you have doubts and do not know whether you have one or the other, it is best to take a PCR test to clear up any doubts. The treatment will be as follows:

· If the flu diagnosis is confirmed, you will be prescribed specific antiviral medications. The prescription will also include antipyretics, cough suppressants, and mucolytics. In this article, you will also find guidelines for dealing with the flu. 

· If you have COVID, the only drug that has been proven effective is Remdesivir. However, this drug is only indicated for hospitalized patients who require oxygen and in combination with anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants. In addition, different studies have yielded different results on the effectiveness of Remdesivir.

We advise you to call the patient helpline or go to your nearest health center or hospital as soon as you notice the above symptoms 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 conditions, follow the advice of the health authorities.

Remember that your immune system is strengthened by your diet and the preventive measures you take. You will surely find it very easy to put the above tips into practice to maintain optimal health.