Saturday, October 21, Blu-ray Home Infectious diseases expert from the Pontifical University of Javeriana was invited as a guest Vanessa Correa details the risks pneumonia
and influenza.
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory illness that can affect people of all ages, but the risk is particularly high for children under 5 and adults over 65. This is because these groups have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to serious complications. Mild pneumonia can usually be treated on an outpatient basis, but these high-risk groups often require hospitalization and have higher mortality rates.
Flu vs. pneumonia: Learn to tell the difference
The first symptoms of the flu usually include fever, nasal congestion, sneezing, headache, and cough. These symptoms are self-limiting and usually last about three days. However, if your cough persists, your mucus turns yellow or green, or you have difficulty breathing, you must seek medical attention.
Also, if you don’t feel better after a few days of illness, it’s time to see your doctor.
The role of vaccines in prevention
Correa debunks myths about vaccines and highlights their importance. “Vaccines do not cause illness but are designed to prevent severe disease,” he said.
Vaccines are an effective strategy to prevent infectious diseases, and those in close contact with high-risk groups, such as school-going children and their grandparents, should be vaccinated.
“Adults should be vaccinated against respiratory diseases, and vaccines have a false belief that if I get vaccinated, I will never get the disease again. But no, they are designed so that the disease is not a serious illness, “He said.
Home remedies and self-medication
Home remedies, such as using honey with propolis, warming the honey with orange juice, or applying a warm cloth to the chest, do not have strong clinical evidence to support their effectiveness. These treatments often relieve symptoms but do not stop the progression of the disease. The key to avoiding serious complications is vaccination.
Self-medication, especially using a nebulizer, is dangerous. Doctors warn that “nebulization may close the airway and must be administered by a health professional.” Self-treatment may delay seeking appropriate medical help and worsen the condition.
Listen to the full interview here: