What are the most important measures for preventing influenza?
To effectively reduce the risk of contracting influenza, it's crucial to adopt a number of preventive measures. Annual vaccination is the most effective protection, and is recommended by health authorities. It significantly reduces the risk of severe complications and hospitalization. In addition, rigorous hand hygiene is essential: wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use a hydroalcoholic gel, especially after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
How does the flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine works by stimulating your body's immune response. After vaccination, your immune system produces antibodies that specifically fight the strains of flu virus present in the vaccine. It generally takes two weeks for immunity to peak. The vaccine is reformulated every year to be most effective against the most active strains.
Why is it important to get vaccinated every year?
The flu virus is constantly evolving, so previous strains become less relevant in preparing the immune system against new strains. What's more, vaccine-induced immunity diminishes over time, hence the importance of annual vaccination for optimal protection.
What are your tips for maintaining a healthy environment at home and at work?
Maintaining a clean environment is essential to preventing the spread of influenza. We recommend regular disinfection of surfaces you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, telephones and keyboards. You should also ensure that spaces are well ventilated to reduce the concentration of the virus in the air.
How can diet help prevent the flu?
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can boost the immune system. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, rich in vitamins C and E, which are known to have a beneficial effect on immunity. Zinc-rich foods such as nuts, seeds and leafy vegetables can also help boost your immune response.
What role does sleep play in preventing the flu?
Sufficient, good-quality sleep is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces fewer cytokines, proteins that are essential to the immune response and the fight against infections like the flu.
Are there any effective natural remedies for preventing the flu?
Although natural remedies do not replace vaccination or medical measures, some can support the immune system. Echinacea, ginger and honey, for example, are renowned for their immunostimulant properties. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any alternative treatment.
How can technology help prevent the flu?
Using mobile applications to track flu epidemics can help you avoid high-risk areas. What's more, adopting teleworking during epidemic peaks can considerably reduce the spread of the virus in the workplace.
What impact does the change of season have on the spread of influenza?
The flu virus survives and spreads more effectively in the dry, cold air typical of the winter months. This explains why the incidence of flu increases during this period. Adapting your prevention methods to these conditions can help reduce the risk of infection.
How do temperature changes affect the risk of influenza?
Sudden changes in temperature, particularly during seasonal changes, can weaken the immune system and increase vulnerability to infections such as the flu. It is therefore essential to dress well, cover up properly and avoid sudden temperature changes to maintain a robust immune system.
Which populations are most at risk of complications from influenza?
Populations most at risk of severe flu complications include people aged 65 and over, children under 5, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. For these groups, vaccination is particularly encouraged to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Can you catch the flu if you've been vaccinated?
Although the flu vaccine is the most effective means of prevention, it is not infallible and does not guarantee 100% protection. However, if a vaccinated person does contract the flu, symptoms tend to be less severe and of shorter duration, compared to an unvaccinated person.
How can you tell the difference between the flu and a common cold?
The flu is often distinguished from the common cold by the intensity and speed of onset of symptoms. The flu starts suddenly, with high fever, severe muscle aches, chills, intense fatigue, and sometimes profound respiratory symptoms. In contrast, a cold is usually characterized by more moderate symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a mild cough.
What recent innovations have been developed to improve flu prevention?
Recently, significant advances have been made in vaccine formulation, with the development of high-dose and quadrivalent vaccines that target a wider variety of viral strains. In addition, research is also focusing on the development of universal vaccines that could offer protection against all strains of influenza, obviating the need for annual vaccination.
