Preventing Seasonal FluPosted by Hay Gotfredsen on May 11th, 2021 Seasonal influenza is known by several names. It is called the common cold, the swine flu or the seasonal flu. Seasonal flu is caused by a different influenza virus than the seasonal bird flu and is spread more easily among people. Outbreaks of seasonal influenza occur largely yearly and follow very predictable seasonal patterns. Experts believe that a combination of a weakened immune system, environmental factors such as smoking and obesity lead to outbreaks of seasonal influenza. Seasonal flu symptoms generally include the spreading of a high fever, a dry cough, decreased appetite and increased stress. People who are afflicted with seasonal influenza can also have complications with complications such as viral infections, fevers, joint pain and complications of diabetes. Those people predisposed to seasonal flu are particularly at risk. The majority of seasonal influenza cases occur in children between the ages of five and nineteen years, but it can also affect adults of all ages. Among children, the most common symptom is a mild case of a cough lasting for a couple of days. However, in adults, the most common symptom is a low-grade fever lasting a day or two. Experts believe that seasonally-occurring viruses are prone to antigenic drift, which is the reason why they are more commonly picked up during the cold season. antigenic drift occurs when a seasonal virus is not recognized by the immune system, allowing it to change and develop into more serious conditions. These serious conditions include severe illness and even death. Experts believe that this is the major cause of complications associated with the common cold and flu. Antigenic drift can occur in any season, but there is a greater chance of it happening in the spring. Experts believe that this is because the human body's immune system is less able to fight off the seasonal viruses in spring compared to other times of the year. This is what makes the virus so crippling for most people. As the immune system becomes weaker, the number of people who contract the virus increases, making it difficult to control. Experts are concerned that if the pandemic occurs, it could result in more people contracting the virus, resulting in more serious complications. With fewer people able to fight off the seasonal flu, more people could get severely ill and even die. Because there are less seasons in the northern hemisphere and more in the southern hemisphere, researchers are working on developing vaccines to protect individuals against seasonal flu strains. The current vaccines prevent virus adaptation, meaning that the viruses do not become more easily spread among humans. It was believed that the seasonal H3N2 strain of influenza caused more cases in the northern hemisphere than in the southern hemisphere, but new studies have shown that this isn't the case. When it comes to preventing the spread of this disease, experts recommend that everyone practice seasonal prevention methods such as daily flu shots and avoiding swimming, diving, and other water-based recreational activities during the months when the seasonal influenza viruses are prevalent. Adults should also make sure they don't transmit the virus to young children, since infants can't fight off infection like adults can. Babies should be vaccinated at least six weeks old to ensure they are protected from infection. The same goes for young children, who should receive two doses of vaccines by the age of 12 months to increase their chances of being protected. There are different ways to prevent getting the seasonal viruses. Experts believe that a nasal spray or steam inhalation can reduce the risk of infection. These methods are recommended especially for those who live in places with a high concentration of these strains. The nasal spray has been shown to provide significant protection against the A strain and especially the N influenza viruses. Meanwhile, steam inhalation is thought to work better against all strains. Experts recommend using both methods whenever possible.Like it? Share it! More by this author |