Influenza
It is a common virus infection characterized by running nose, cough, sore throat and sometimes fever or pain in the joints. There are constitutional symptoms like malaise and body ache. It reduces body resistance to other infections, so that serious disorders like ear infections, sinusitis, and pneumonia may develop.
First Aid
- Give enough rest.
- Advise steam inhalation.
- Avoid sour and cold foods and beverages.
- Give plenty of water orally.
- It usually gets cured without medicine. Paracetamol may be used if the fever is high.
Prevention
- Avoid contact with a patient of influenza because it spreads by droplet infection.
- Adequate sleep and nutritious diet containing tomatoes, oranges, other fruit, and vitamin C build up body resistance and prevent colds.
- Avoid breeze over wet body and hair. Do not wear wet clothes.
- After washing the hair, dry it thoroughly well.
