Influenza prevention

In Hong Kong in 1997, eighteen people were infected with "From that moment, influenza researchers studying animal to Bird flu is considered by the World Health Organization to be a major pandemic threat. And the world is currently experiencing the worst bird flu epidemic ever seen. Over the last year there have been more outbreaks of bird flu on farms—killing chickens, ducks and turkeys—than ever before. Over 140 million poultry have died worldwide from the disease or related culling since October 2021, according to the World Organization for Animal Health. "We used to think that five outbreaks in a season was bad, but hundreds of UK farms have gone down with bird flu in the last twelve months," says Professor James Wood, Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge. "It kills farmed Like COVID, there isn't just one strain of bird flu. This latest strain is unusually fatal in a wide range of bird species and unusually transmissible between bird species. It isn't clear where the virus came from, but it's clear that a recent huge epidemic in wild birds has been causing the infections on farms, putting pressure on farmers and threatening our food supply. "Disease on this scale in wild birds in Europe has never been seen before," says Wood. "It's been absolutely devastating," he adds, "pushing some species to the brink of extinction. Gannets, terns, and cranes have all died in huge numbers. Lindisfarne, for example, was recently closed to the pu...

Drinking water and other fluids is even more important when you have the flu. This is true whether you have a respiratory flu or a stomach flu. Water helps to keep your nose, mouth, and throat moist. This helps your body get rid of built-up mucous and phlegm. You can also get dehydrated if you aren’t eating or drinking normally. Diarrhea and fever (two common symptoms of a flu), can also cause water loss. You can stay hydrated by consuming plenty of: • water • coconut water • sports drinks • herbal tea • fresh juice • soup • broth • raw fruits and vegetables You’ll know you’re drinking enough water and liquids if: • you have to urinate regularly • the color of your urine is almost clear or pale yellow If your urine is a deep yellow to amber color, you may be dehydrated. It’s also helpful to avoid smoking as much as possible since it can further irritate your nose, throat, and lungs. Drinking warm chicken or beef bone broth is a good way to help you stay hydrated. It helps to loosen and break up nose and sinus congestion. Bone broth is also naturally high in protein and minerals like sodium and potassium. Drinking broth is a good way to replenish these nutrients while you have the flu. Plus, protein is important for rebuilding immune cells. You can buy ready-made varieties, but be sure to look for those that are low in sodium (salt). You can also make your own broth by boiling chicken or beef bones. You can freeze portions of broth for future use. The mineral zinc is import...

The most common symptoms of influenza (flu) include fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, a sore throat and a runny nose. Each year, millions of people come down with flu. Most recover within a week, but for an unlucky few, flu can be deadly. Seasonal flu epidemics typically occur in late autumn and winter, so we can anticipate them, and prepare accordingly. In tropical regions, influenza can occur throughout the year, causing outbreaks more irregularly, but prevention is still important. Here’s how you can protect yourself, and those around you. Get vaccinated Annual vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against flu, and serious complications. Vaccination is especially important for pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy. It’s also crucial for children aged 6 months to 5 years, elderly people, those suffering with chronic medical conditions, and for health care workers. Remember: a flu vaccine cannot give you flu. To feel achy or feverish after vaccination is a completely normal and natural reaction, and generally lasts only a day or two. Wash your hands regularly Clean hands protect against many infections, including flu. Keeping your hands clean is an easy way to keep yourself and your family healthy. Wash your hands with soap and running water regularly and dry them thoroughly with a single-use towel. You can also use an alcohol-based handrub if you can’t get to soap and water. Remember — washing your hands properly takes about as ...

Share on Pinterest The The flu can come on suddenly. Early Flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object and then transfer them to your eyes, nose, or mouth. People with flu can spread it to others up to about At the time of publishing this article, The 2017-2018 flu season, however, was You can find out more about flu facts and statistics, below. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics almost every winter in the United States. Influenza C infections generally cause a mild respiratory illness and are not thought to cause epidemics. Meanwhile, influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in humans. Share on Pinterest Most people who get sick with flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. People at higher risk of developing flu • children younger than age 5, especially those younger than age 2 • adults older than age 65 • residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities • pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum • people with weakened immune systems • people who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes • people who are very obese, with a body mass index of 40 or h...

Related information • COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences? - Related information COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences? The common cold is an illness affecting your nose and throat. Most often, it's harmless, but it might not feel that way. Germs called viruses cause a common cold. Often, adults may have two or three colds each year. Infants and young children may have colds more often. Most people recover from a common cold in 7 to 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Most often, you don't need medical care for a common cold. If symptoms don't get better or if they get worse, see your health care provider. Illnesses of the nose and throat caused by germs are called upper respiratory tract infections. Symptoms Most often, common cold symptoms start 1 to 3 days after someone is exposed to a cold virus. Symptoms vary. They can include: • Runny or stuffy nose. • Sore or scratchy throat. • Cough. • Sneezing. • Generally feeling unwell. • Slight body aches or a mild headache. • Low-grade fever. The mucus from your nose may start out clear and become thicker and yellow or green. This change is normal. Most often, it doesn't mean that you have a bacterial illness. When to see a doctor For adults. Most often, you don't need medical care for a common cold. But see your health care provider if you have: • Symptoms that get worse or do not get better. • Fever greater than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees ...