Table of contents:
- Influenza virus, the main cause of flu
- What are the risk factors for the flu?
- 1. Weather changes
- 3. Lack of sleep
- 4. Lack of drinking
- 5. Vitamin D deficiency
- 6. Hands are not clean
Everyone has had the flu at least once in his life. Influenza virus infection can indeed affect anyone at any age, both children and adults. Knowing the various causes of flu is one effective step so you can avoid this disease.
Influenza virus, the main cause of flu
Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. The virus that causes flu is the influenza virus. There are several types of viruses that cause influenza, namely influenza types A, B, and C.
Of the three viruses, types A and B usually cause flu that is seasonal, while influenza type C is usually the cause of milder respiratory problems.
You can become infected with the influenza virus if you inhale saliva droplets (droplet) that comes out of the mouths of people with flu when they sneeze and cough and do not cover their mouths. The influenza virus that causes flu can also be transmitted by talking to someone who has the flu if the body is very close together.
Apart from air contact, the mode of transmission of influenza can occur when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after handling objects that are contaminated with the virus.
This infection affects the nose, throat, and lungs (respiratory system). If not treated properly, these types of flu can turn into serious infections that endanger sufferers. In rare cases, there may be complications of the flu that can lead to death.
Usually, flu symptoms will appear approximately 24-48 hours after you are exposed to this virus. Body aches, muscle aches all over the body, fever, nasal congestion and runny nose are some of the most typical flu symptoms.
What are the risk factors for the flu?
You can get influenza without a clear cause. You may not feel that anyone is sick around you, but suddenly you have the flu.
Even if you don't know where it came from, there are many risk factors for the common cold that you may not be aware of. Some of the causes that increase your risk of contracting the influenza virus can come from environmental factors or your daily habits.
The following are various risk factors that cause the body to be more susceptible to influenza viruses:
1. Weather changes
Most people may catch the flu more easily during the rainy season than in the summer. This is because viruses that cause flu are easy to thrive in cold temperatures and dry air.
Scientists suspect the influenza virus is easier to spread during cold weather because people prefer to gather indoors with closed windows. This increases your risk of breathing the same air as other people, which may contain the influenza virus.
3. Lack of sleep
Sleep is a basic need for every human being so that the body is always in good shape. Unfortunately, many don't know that staying up late or staying up late at night can be the cause of our catching colds easily.
This bad habit, over time, will have an impact on overall health, especially the immune system.
During sleep, the body normally produces cytokines to fight inflammation and disease in the body. However, if you are sleep deprived, your body won't release the cytokines it should.
As a result, the immune system's ability to fight germs will weaken, making you more susceptible to infection with the influenza virus. It can get worse if the weather is bad and you are also stressed out.
Sleep needs for adults on average are 7-8 hours per night. So, make sure you get enough sleep so you don't get sick easily, huh!
4. Lack of drinking
Most of your body is made up of water. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that not drinking enough can be a risk factor for contracting the influenza virus.
When the body is dehydrated or dehydrated, the function and work of the body's organs will be disrupted. As a result, you may be more prone to experiencing a number of health problems.
In addition, adequate fluid intake also helps to keep your mouth, nose and throat moist. If your mouth, nose, and throat are dry, you are more likely to catch diseases related to the respiratory system, such as the flu.
To prevent colds, make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. But in truth, everyone's water needs are different. You alone know how much water is needed. In essence, drink it whenever you feel thirsty (or even before) so that your body's fluid needs are still met.
5. Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can also be a risk factor for the flu. So far, most people think that vitamin D is beneficial for bone and muscle health. In fact, vitamin D also plays a role in preventing acute respiratory infections.
This is based on a review research conducted by researchers from Queen Mary University of London. In this study, it was found that adequate vitamin D intake can help prevent viral infections that cause influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
In addition, other studies have also reported that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a weakened immune system. As we know, when the immune system is weak, the body will be more susceptible to various diseases, including flu.
Fortunately, vitamin D is one of the vitamins that is very easy to obtain. By basking in the morning sun for 10-15 minutes, you will get some of your vitamin D intake.
Apart from the sun, you can also get vitamin D intake from foods that are consumed daily. Some of them are fish, egg yolk, milk, beef liver, and mushrooms.
6. Hands are not clean
On a daily basis, your hands will be in contact with objects that are maybe alone has been "colonized" by many germs. Doorknobs, telephones, computer keyboards, and other objects without you knowing it could have been contaminated with viruses.
The habit of holding the face, such as cheeks, nose, mouth or eyes without realizing it can risk transferring the influenza virus from dirty hands into the body. As a result, you have influenza.
That is why, be diligent about washing your hands and personal hygiene. Dirty hands make germs spread quickly and trigger various diseases. However, make sure you wash your hands the right way, yes.
Quoting from the CDC website, washing hands must be at least 20 seconds and done when:
- Before and after visiting or interacting with people who are sick
- Before, during and after preparing food
- Before eating
- Before and after treating open wounds
- After touching the trash can
- After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
- When finished using the bathroom
- After changing the baby's diaper
Remember, you can maintain your health so you can avoid exposure to the viruses that cause flu by living a healthier life. Whether it's through proper food intake and how to maintain thorough personal hygiene.
