Peru. – Influenza, also known as influenza, is a respiratory viral disease that affects millions of people around the world each year. The condition is caused by different types of influenza viruses: influenza A, B and C, which are able to mutate over time and are spread through contact with respiratory secretions of infected people.
Every year, a staggering number of people around the world are infected with the disease.estimated to be about one billion(1) of people contract the disease, and unfortunately between 3 and 5 million of them experience serious complications.
In Peru, the National Institutes of Health (INS) recently warned of an increase in respiratory infections and identified influenza viruses as the main cause of the problem. As of the end of June this year, there were 1,812 confirmed cases.(2). Influenza-associated viruses circulate permanently, especially during seasonal changes that highlight periods of multiple viral activity, said Dr. Melissa Kallmann, medical director of Andean National Consumer Healthcare at Bayer.
Considering the risks posed by the disease, he explained that both flu and colds are common respiratory illnesses, but they have some key differences. The flu, which is caused by influenza viruses, tends to be more severe and comes on sooner than the common cold, which is caused by a different type of virus. Flu symptoms usually include high fever, muscle aches, extreme fatigue and a severe cough. The common cold, on the other hand, has milder symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and mild cough.
Also, it’s worth noting that the flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems or those at high risk, while colds rarely cause serious complications.
It is estimated that adults typically experience two to four colds per year.(3), while children can reach six to ten. Despite its high prevalence, developing definitive treatments is challenging due to the large number of strains and constant mutations, making it difficult to find a universally effective vaccine against all strains. Influenza, on the other hand, is characterized by the presence of four main types of viruses. This has enabled the development of customized vaccines, which are updated each year to address the most prevalent and emerging strains of influenza.
don’t let your guard down
Unfortunately, after a period of the pandemic, there is concern that people are relaxing the necessary precautions to avoid contagion. “As the fear and sense of urgency recede, people may begin to relax precautions, increasing the risk of spreading respiratory disease.”Dr. Kalman explained.
Furthermore, he warned that the fact that we are experiencing a less cold winter due to El Niño is creating a false sense of security. People may mistakenly think that a lower incidence of cold weather means a lower risk of contracting respiratory diseases. However, it is important to remember that flu is not limited to cold weather periods and can spread at any time. Dr. Kalman clarified: “Colds may be a contributing factor, exacerbating some symptoms, but this is not causation”.
Practicing good self-care habits every day, anytime of the day is one tool people have in preventing illnesses like the flu. Practicing hygienic habits such as washing hands before meals, eating, engaging in physical activity, avoiding risky activities such as smoking, eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and taking supplements containing vitamins C, D, and zinc, which are delivered to the body, are helpful A tool for keeping your immune system strong.
treatment method
Flu treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and helping the body fight infection. Flu medicines can be of great help because their combination of ingredients make them effective formulations for reducing the duration and severity of symptoms.
Although there are a variety of treatments, it is important that people use multi-symptom formula medicines for quick and effective relief of flu and cough symptoms, which contain acetaminophen to control malaise and fever, dextromethorphan to relieve persistent coughs, and phenylephrine Reduce nasal congestion. However, it is always advisable to seek the advice of a medical professional to ensure the safe and appropriate use of these medications, taking into account each individual’s individual circumstances.
“Seeking appropriate treatment to provide rapid, safe relief is critical”Dr. Kalman said. “The combination of the above ingredients can help reduce discomfort and allow people to continue enjoying their daily activities without interruption”.
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(1) Peruvian Ministry of Health/Technical Report N° 024-2023-UIE-CNSP/INS on Respiratory Virus Surveillance, 2023
(2) Peruvian Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus (RVO) Situation Room, SE 26 – 2023 https://www.dge.gob.pe/epipublic/uploads/influenza/influenza_202326_10_113420.pdf
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/