The Flu Outbreak Will Be Less This Year

The heat change that occurs in autumn causes some changes in all living things in order to adapt to the new season. Just like trees shedding leaves, the human body may weaken the immune system during preparation for seasonal transformation.

At the same time, he pointed out that the number of viruses that cause colds and flu increases with the cooling of the air. Bitter almond Kadıköy Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Yaser Suleymanoglu“Especially children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases are more affected by the flu epidemic due to weakness in their immune systems. For this reason, we recommend that this group be vaccinated, ”he says. Dr. Yaser Süleymanoğlu, explaining the 10 effective ways to protect against the flu, also explains the relationship between the Covid-19 threat and the flu, "We do not yet know whether the person with Covid-19 disease will have the flu or whether the person who has the full flu will get Covid-19."

Prone to flu with a weak immune system

Families of "rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus and repsirative syncytal virus" that occur in autumn and winter cause the flu and cold complaints that almost all of us complain about. Although these ailments are easier to overcome, the flu that causes high fever can become more dangerous. Noting that the influenza virus that causes flu emerges with a new type every year, Internal Diseases Specialist Dr. Yaser Süleymanoğlu said, “Since our immune system recognizes the previous type of these viruses, the risk of catching cold or flu again increases. Especially children, the elderly or those with diseases such as diabetes, heart, high blood pressure, COPD and asthma are more susceptible to influenza due to their weak immune systems, ”he said.

Covid-19 and flu relationship not clear yet

The biggest question raised in mind this year is whether Covid-19 and influenza viruses have an impact on each other or have risk-increasing aspects in the ongoing pandemic process. “Does having the flu increase the risk of getting Covid-19? Does it lead to a more serious course of the disease? " Stating that the answer to his questions is not yet known, Dr. Yaser Süleymanoğlu states the following:

“We think there will be less cold and flu epidemics this year. Because to protect against the Covid-19 epidemic, hygiene rules are paid much attention. Flu viruses spread through droplets. Since we no longer have social relationships such as handshaking and kissing, attention is paid to social distance and the level of flu spread may be lower.

'Consider the symptoms, consult a physician'

Reminding that flu and Covid-19 are common symptoms, resentment and high fever are seen in both diseases, Dr. Yaser Süleymanoğlu said, “In Covid-19, problems in taste and smell, shortness of breath and dry cough are experienced. Nasal congestion and sore throat are more common in flu. "In case of fever above 39 degrees, shortness of breath, severe headache, severe cough or general condition disorder, it is necessary to consult a physician immediately. Emphasizing that using antibiotics to prevent flu and cold is extremely harmful, the existing defense system collapses due to antibiotics and this situation prepares the ground for the proliferation of viruses. Yaser Süleymanoğlu lists effective protection methods as follows:

• To wear a mask, to comply with social distance and hygiene rules,
• Consuming plenty of greens, citrus fruits, fruits, pools, onions, garlic, black cumin and turmeric, in short, eating a diet rich in protein and vitamins,
• Drinking plenty of fluids,
• Keeping living spaces clean and ventilated frequently,
• Stay away from crowds,
• If it cannot be met with nutrition, taking vitamins C and D as supplements,
• Taking active, brisk walks,
• Keeping the home environment at 21-22 degrees, which is the ideal temperature level,
• Sleeping regularly, on average, 7-8 hours a day,
• Vaccinating those over the age of 65, children, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart, kidney, blood disease and hypertension against influenza and pneumonia.