As winter approaches, public health faces special challenges due to climate factors. spread of respiratory disease. It is vital that people understand how to protect themselves and differentiate between various winter illnesses, including the flu, common cold and influenza. Coronavirus disease.
Winter brings the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses, with the common flu being one of the most prevalent. It’s important to understand its symptoms, how to care for yourself if infected, and key precautions to protect your health.
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What are the symptoms of the common flu?
The common flu presents with a range of symptoms, which although may vary in intensity, usually include:
— High fever (above 38 °C): sudden increase in body temperature.
— Severe headache: persistent discomfort in the head.
—Muscle and body pain: A general feeling of discomfort or pain in the muscles and body.
——. Sore throat: Inflammation or pain in the throat.
——. Dry and persistent cough: The cough lasts for a long time, but there is no phlegm.
——. Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling tired and lacking energy.
——. Stuffy or runny nose: Stuffy or runny nose.
——. Nausea or vomiting: In some cases, gastrointestinal symptoms may occur.
-. Diarrhea: Another gastrointestinal symptom that occasionally accompanies the flu.
-. Chest pain and difficulty breathing: In more severe cases, respiratory symptoms may occur.
How to take care of yourself when you have the flu:
If you suspect you have the flu, it’s important to take steps to relieve symptoms and prevent the spread of the virus. This includes isolating and avoiding close contact with other people to prevent spread. In addition, it is recommended to prioritize rest to allow the body to recover properly.
It is crucial to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids to counteract dehydration caused by fever. Using over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and fever reducers, can help relieve symptoms.
If the condition is more severe, such as a high fever, severe headache, or difficulty breathing, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. These measures not only facilitate the rapid recovery of affected individuals, but are also critical to protecting the community by preventing the spread of the virus.
Prevent the flu:
The best way to prevent the flu is to take proactive steps:
Vaccinations: Annual vaccinations are essential to reduce your risk of getting the flu.
Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face: Minimize contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent viruses from entering.
Social Distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from sick people.
Use a mask: In situations where you need to leave your home, using a mask can reduce the spread.
The difference between influenza and common cold:
The difference between the flu and the common cold is based on several aspects. From the perspective of onset, the onset of influenza is sudden, while the common cold develops slowly. In terms of symptoms, the flu tends to cause more severe symptoms than the common cold.
In terms of duration, the flu usually lasts 3 to 7 days, while the common cold can last 7 to 10 days. Additionally, complications associated with the flu tend to be more serious, including the possibility of pneumonia and sepsis. These factors highlight the importance of identifying and differentiating these two conditions for proper diagnosis and treatment.
When flu or cold symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a health professional to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment to help the community recover quickly and protect themselves.
COVID-19: Symptoms and Prevention:
Symptoms of COVID-19 vary and may include the following:
– Difficulty breathing
— persistent chest pain or pressure
– Puzzled
— can’t wake up
— Blue, gray, or pale skin, lips, face, or nail beds, depending on your skin tone
How to take care of yourself if you have COVID-19:
If COVID-19 is suspected, isolation is critical to prevent spread. It’s important to remember:
Mask use: Use masks in enclosed public places.
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the risk of contamination.
Social Distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
Official statistics show that as of December 28, 2023, there have been a total of 7,633,355 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mexico, and sadly, 334,336 people have died from the disease, with a mortality rate of 4.3%, according to the Mexican government.
The distribution of cases by federal entity shows that Mexico City leads the list with 1,040,282 cases, followed by the State of Mexico with 716,665 cases, Jalisco with 469,153 cases, Nuevo León with 380,096 cases and Guanajuato with 361,843 example.
Demographic data shows that women have a slightly higher prevalence, accounting for 53.66% of cases, compared to 46.34% of men. Similarly, in terms of age group distribution, 35.9% are aged 18 to 29, followed by 24.6% aged 30 to 39, 18.2% aged 40 to 49, 11.6% aged 50 to 59, and 11.6% aged over 60. 9.7%.
In terms of related comorbidities, hypertension accounted for 11.90%, followed by obesity at 9.59%, diabetes at 8.74%, chronic renal failure at 6.54%, and cardiovascular disease at 5.50%.
The health status of those affected is divided into different categories: currently hospitalized (3,558 people), hospitalized (3,162 people, of whom 2,835 are in regular beds and 327 are in intensive care units) and recovered (6,885,378 people).
Mexico ranks 15th globally in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite this, the country’s case fatality rate is still lower than the global average of 5.3%.