CIU Academician Prof. Dr. Füsün Yıldız made a statement in relation to the increasing cases of flu
“It is important to keep the body resistance strong”
Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Medicine Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Füsun Yıldız, speaking in relation to the increasing cases of flu that have increased with the effect of the cold weather, stated that the best way in which to protect yourself from flu is to keep the body’s resistance strong.
Drawing attention to the fact that on this subject, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended the flu vaccine, Yıldız went on to say, “Especially those in risk groups (people over 65 years of age, individuals with chronic heart, lung, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, cancer and blood diseases, people living in places such as nursing homes, care homes, and health workers) are recommended to be vaccinated every year”.
Reminding that the flu (influenza) is a viral respiratory infection that basically effects the nose, throat, and bronchi, and more infrequently effects the lungs, Prof. Dr. Yıldız elaborated, “It can lead to a sudden fever of over 39°C, muscle and joints ache, headache and serious weakness, a dry cough, sore throat and runny nose or a congested nose”.
Yıldız pointed out that many other viruses can also cause the same complaints, and went on to say, “It may not always be possible to distinguish between them. It is for this reason that the world regularly monitors the activities of these viruses”.
Expressing that the flu symptoms are experienced more intensely particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic heart, liver, kidney diseases, and diabetes, Yıldız noted that it could have serious consequences that could lead to death.
Explaining that the flu virus spreads from person-to-person via small particles that are transmitted from coughs, sneezing, and speaking, Yıldız advised that the hand hygiene of an infected individual is very important, as the live virus can remain upon surfaces (door handles, for example) for a long period of time, that the individual has touched.
Yıldız reminded that it is for this reason it is important to remember that in order to protect ourselves, we should refrain from having close contact with any infected individuals, we should use a mask, and to wash hands frequently during periods of epidemic.
Adding that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, Yıldız continued, “There are only medications that are effective against flu infections. However, these medicines are only beneficial if they are used within the first 48 hours of the flu beginning”.
Noting that the main treatment is in the improvements of the diseases symptoms, Yıldız added that it is necessary to have medication that reduces the symptoms, taken together with bed rest.