January is the month of, to go on a diet, to try not to spend so much and also the month of … to catch a cold. The medical services of Madrid and Catalonia have already given notice that the flu is approaching the epidemic level in both communities. Influenza is considered to become an epidemic when there are 110.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It is recommended that people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, the chronically ill and those with risk factors, and health professionals are vaccinated.
What can we do to prevent the flu?
- Hygiene. Wash your hands frequently or, if you can't, use a hand sanitizer.
- Neither mobile nor tablet. Do not share your mobile or take someone else's as it is one of the objects with more bacteria and germs in our daily lives.
- Better by bike. I wish we were like the Japanese and put on a mask so as not to infect others, but of course … better move on foot or by bike than by public transport.
- Nasal washes. It is very important to dislodge the potential viruses that enter through your nose by nasal washes with a seawater nebulizer or with physiological saline.
- Hydration. Drink plenty of fluids as viruses thrive best in dry environments.
- Healthy life. Follow a healthy and balanced diet, stay active and sleep 8 hours every day so that your defenses are at 100%.
And remember: if you have the flu or a cold, do your best not to spread it to others. Above all, try to avoid contact with more sensitive groups: babies and the elderly.
Here we explain how to know if you have the flu and how to cure it if you have not been able to slip it.
