Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Berna Botan Yıldırım drew attention to the increase in flu cases. Dr. said that close contact increases diseases. Yıldırım said, “We all know that schools are environments where viruses can spread rapidly. Especially close contact between children, inadequate hand hygiene and crowded classrooms can cause the rapid spread of respiratory diseases such as flu. With the easing of Covid-19 measures, we can say that the flu virus has regained its former strength as social distance and mask use decreased. Our immune system may have been less stimulated against the flu virus over the past few years due to Covid-19. “This may ultimately mean more cases and more severe symptoms,” he said.
‘THE RISK INCREASES WITH THOSE WHO HAVE WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEMS’
Stating that individuals with weak immune systems are at risk, Dr. Yıldırım said, “Flu is especially dangerous for children, the elderly and individuals with weak immune systems. Especially children who go to school can carry the virus home and infect family members. This situation can have serious consequences for elderly grandmothers, grandfathers or individuals with chronic diseases. Since the influenza virus mutates every year, the flu vaccine is renewed every season. Vaccination is especially important for individuals and children in risk groups. Even if the flu vaccine doesn’t completely prevent the disease, it relieves symptoms and can prevent serious complications. “Vaccination also helps strengthen collective immunity, which keeps the epidemic under control,” he said.
‘PRECAUTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN IN SCHOOLS’
Dr. Yıldırım listed the measures that can be taken to reduce flu cases with the opening of schools as follows: “Hand washing habits: Children should be reminded that they should wash their hands frequently. Hygienic classroom environment: Classes should be ventilated regularly and frequently touched surfaces should be disinfected. Sick students should stay at home: Children showing flu symptoms should not be sent to school, and their illness should be waited for them to fully resolve. Flu vaccine promotion: Parents should be made aware of their children and themselves getting the flu vaccine.”
WAYS TO STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Dr. says that the most important way to protect against flu is to strengthen the immune system. Yıldırım said, “The most effective way to protect against flu is to have a strong immune system and a balanced diet. Adequate sleep, regular exercise and avoiding stress play an important role in strengthening the immune system. In addition, consuming plenty of fluids and eating probiotic-rich foods also support the immune system. The pandemic process reminded us how important health and hygiene are. Care should be taken against flu cases, which are expected to increase with the opening of schools. It is critical for our individual and social health. “This winter, we should include simple but effective measures in our lives to both protect ourselves from the flu and protect our loved ones, and we should not forget to use masks and comply with the distance rule, especially in closed areas such as shopping malls and hospitals,” he said.
(DHA)