What are the ways to protect against colds and flu really work, and what - no
Health / / December 19, 2019
Viruses and bacteria - the main cause of SARS and influenza. When ingested, they multiply and cause infection. By SARS, which we used to call the common cold, there is no vaccination, so suffer her to much and often: adultCommon Colds: Protect Yourself and Others. - an average of 2-3 times a year, the childrenAcute respiratory viral infection in children. - 6-8 times a year. Grafted from the flu can be, but the vaccination does not guaranteeVaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. absolute protection against the disease. Prevention helps prevent colds and flu, but not all famous people are really effective in the methods.
That will not protect against colds and flu
1. antivirals
In Russia, they quickly buy up during epidemics and is seen as the magic pill. Nevertheless, the effectivenessAntivirals for the common cold. these funds are not scientifically proven: they do not help either in the prevention or treatment of influenza and SARS. If you think that the pills work, but rather a placebo effectPlacebo Effect. .
2. OTC immunostimulants
Do not buy non-prescription drugs that promise to increase your overall immunity. As is the case with antiviral drugs, their effectivenessTreatment of the Common Cold in Children and Adults. not scientifically proven. In addition, it is impossible to predict the reaction of the immune system to such drugs. For example, if it starts to work very actively, may develop autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroysUnderstanding Autoimmune Disease - a review article for the layman. healthy cells.
3. Garlic
Yes, you can no longer torment themselves and others: the scientific evidence that garlic protects against influenza and SARS, there is alsoGarlic for the common cold. .
4. medical mask
Medical mask needInterim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Seasonal Influenza Virus Transmission. those who are already sick - it is a natural barrier that prevents the virus spreads in the air and protect the others. But healthy people do not need a medical mask: she missesTips on the use of masks in the home environment in the event of an outbreak of influenza A (H1N1). Infected particles and from it can illUse of surgical face masks to reduce the incidence of the common cold among health care workers in Japan: A randomized controlled trial. head.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is able toCold remedies: What works, what does not, what can not hurt. reduce the intensity of symptoms, if you are already ill. Nevertheless, it does not protectVitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. the infection of a healthy person. Therefore, drinking tea with lemon and take askorbinku costs except for fun.
How to protect against colds and flu
Not to pick up an infection, it is necessary to avoid contact with viruses and strengthen the immune system.
1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
So you wash off the skin with infected particles and prevents them from entering the body. If you wash your hands regularly, it reduces theHandwashing and risk of respiratory infections: a quantitative systematic review. the risk of contracting SARS and influenza in an average of 20%. Also, try not to touch the face with his hands, otherwise there is a risk of transfer of viruses and bacteria in the mucous membranes, where they will begin to actively proliferate and provoke the emergence of the disease.
2. Get a flu shot
It will not protect against SARS, but will reduce theVaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. the risk of flu by about 60%. Typically, vaccination is carried out before the start of the influenza season (it is October-December). But if you are not vaccinated on time, it can be corrected at any time, immunity to the virus develops within two weeks.
3. Avoid contact with sick
Viruses and bacteria are transmitted by airborne droplets when the patient speaks, laughs, sneezes or simply breathes, it spreads around the particle itself infected. In order not to be infected, try to avoid contact with the sick, and during epidemics are smaller in crowded places.
4. Do wet cleaning
Infected particles settle on all surfaces: on the floor, the dining and work tables, door handles and shelves. In this case, the clock viruses retain their activity. In order not to be infected, take regular cleaning and wipe the dust with a clean damp cloth.
5. Disinfect and ventilate the premises
The viruses are killed in a clean, cool, moving air. To create an unfavorable environment for them, often ventilate the apartment and disinfect the air by irradiator-recirculator. He disinfects the air and kills viruses due to ultraviolet radiation of short wavelength - UVC.
UVC-rays canEffectiveness of an ultraviolet-C disinfection system for reduction of healthcare-associated pathogens. penetrate into the DNA of infected particles and destroy them, so the device effectively fights viruses, bacteria, spores for fungi and mold.
The irradiator-recirculator works on the principle of quartz lamp, but it can be used at home. The device is safe, because the lamp that emits ultraviolet light, an opaque screen is closed. It protects people from radiation, allowing include recirculator when there are people in the room.
The principle of operation is as follows: with the help of the fan room air is injected into the lamp. There, under the influence of ultraviolet particles infected die, and clean air is supplied into the room again. Recirculator needs little maintenance: the lamp should be changed once every 8000 hours (approximately every two years).
Irradiators-recirculator come in different capacities: one lamp devices are suitable for home, with two - for offices, cafes, fitness clubs, beauty salons or large apartments. Three- and pyatilampovye - for medical institutions.
The more lamps, the higher the rate of air purification. For example, single-lamp recirculator hour cleans up to 30 m³, a dual lamp - up to 60 m³. This does not mean that large areas do not have enough single-lamp device, just for the disinfection takes more time. Some devices are equipped with a timer: You can set the time of operation, after which the lamp will turn off automatically. In addition to power, recyclers differ in color and design, so you can choose the device that fits perfectly in the interior of the apartment.
Select irradiator-recirculator
There are contraindications. Before use, read the instructions for use and consult a doctor.