Ignorance puts many people’s health at risk in winter

editorial

Recently, the Mayo Clinic Organization published an interesting article titled “Flu, Common Cold, or Influenza? Determining which one it is makes a difference. ”

It turns out that these are very similar diseases with common symptoms, but ultimately they have their differences and must be treated by a doctor with appropriate medications. Of course, self-medication is not an option for people who are sick.

Currently, we know of several close people who are getting sick at this time, mostly due to climate change and of course neglecting the care needed to treat each illness.

The reference article states that fever, upset stomach, diarrhea, throat irritation, chills, coughing, sneezing, and headaches can make us feel really bad. The symptoms can be similar, so it can be difficult to know exactly what to do to feel better. That’s why this winter it’s important to promptly recognize the symptoms of the season’s most common illnesses.

Valuable information is disclosed below to aid in medical decision-making and to combat the ignorance that is prevalent among many people who self-medicate and put their health at risk.

common cold

A stuffy nose or cold, cough, headache, and throat irritation may signal the onset of the common cold. Viral infections of the nose and throat are usually harmless, although they may not be easily recognized.

Although there is no cure for the common cold, most people get over it without any treatment and usually improve within a week to ten days. It is important to know that antibiotics have no effect on viruses, and excessive consumption can lead to the development of bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics.

Lifestyle and home remedies to relieve symptoms include drinking plenty of fluids and resting.

viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu

What many people call the flu is actually viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu. Characteristics of this condition include diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually only last a day or two, but can sometimes last up to ten days.

There is usually no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. However, some self-care measures can relieve bothersome symptoms.Take long breaks and avoid eating solid food for several hours

Calming your stomach is a great improvement option, along with proper hydration. Gradually, the patient will be able to start a soft diet, or stop eating if nausea returns, and avoid dairy, caffeine, greasy or overly seasoned foods until they feel better. This is the basis for the disappearance of the disease.

influenza

Flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. At first, the flu looks like a common cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and throat irritation. However, colds develop slowly, while the flu usually comes on suddenly.

For most people, the flu will clear up on its own. But sometimes the flu and its complications can be fatal. People most at risk for flu complications are young children, women who are pregnant or in their second week postpartum, adults over 65, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic medical conditions.

Generally, treating the flu simply requires rest and drinking lots of fluids. However, when the infection is severe or the risk of complications is high, a healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications to treat it.

Unlike the common cold and stomach flu, there is a flu vaccine. While the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it can reduce the risk of contracting the disease and, if you do, reduce the severity and need for hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone get an annual flu vaccine starting at 6 months of age, with rare exceptions. Vaccines are the best way to prevent the flu.

It must be noted that currently, influenza and Covid-19 vaccines are available at the IMSS hospitals and clinics in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, both for beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries; however, the response from citizens remains low.

The good news is that vaccinations will continue in January and February, or while supplies last. Too bad, ignorance, laziness and apathy continue to spread in communities who ignore vaccinations and prevention that provide most of us with the opportunity to live better, healthier and healthier lives .

cluster

“The Healthy Living Support Group in the Mayo Clinic Connect organization is an online community hosted by Mayo Clinic where people can gain exposure to a wide range of health and wellness topics to be better prepared when they face conditions that are common during the winter months in Mexico.”