Yes, you can avoid spreading the seasonal flu!
Seasonal influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. It occurs in all regions of the world. Influenza A viruses, further divided into subtypes based on surface proteins, are the most common influenza viruses. Subtypes A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) are currently circulating in the human population. It is important to note that only influenza-A viruses are linked to the pandemic.
Winter is a peak season for respiratory infections, including influenza, as they are more efficiently transmitted in colder temperatures and lower humidity. Increased social interactions indoors also contribute to increased transmission rates. Influenza spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. Recognisable symptoms of influenza include the sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and a runny nose.
Millions of people get the flu every year, and most recover quickly without needing any special treatment. However, a proportion of the population is at increased risk of serious complications, some of which can be life-threatening and even fatal. In particular, the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and people with underlying health conditions are more likely to develop severe forms of the disease if infected.
On a global scale, seasonal influenza claims an average of 400,000 lives annually due to respiratory illness. The number of deaths increases significantly during pandemics, which are characterised by a significant evolution of influenza strains. The continued prevalence of influenza as a significant global burden can be attributed to factors such as an ageing population and limited access to healthcare and sanitation in many countries.
However, as living conditions have improved, the population has generally become healthier: people born in 1940 had about a third of the risk of dying from influenza as those born in 1900 (even if they reached the same age). This decline continued, and people born in 1980 had half the risk of those born in 1940.
Healthcare workers in particular are at higher risk of contracting the disease as they are routinely exposed to a variety of viruses, including influenza. Vaccination is recommended to protect them and their patients.
For those who do contract influenza, symptom relief is the main focus of treatment; adequate rest and increased fluid intake are essential to support the body’s natural healing process. While most people recover within a week without medical intervention, those with severe symptoms or specific risk factors may require medical attention.
When recognising influenza as a disease with significant social and economic impact, vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against the disease. As influenza viruses change, annual vaccination is essential to effectively combat evolving strains. In the northern hemisphere, where seasonal influenza circulates from November to May, the optimal time for vaccination is October. Timely vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps to minimise the overall societal impact of influenza.
While vaccination remains the primary prevention strategy, it is important for everyone to take additional measures to reduce the spread of influenza. By understanding the nature of the virus and taking preventive measures, individuals can play an active role in preventing the spread of influenza and minimising its impact on public health.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) stresses the importance of simple but effective protective measures to prevent the spread of influenza and recommends the following:
- Frequent handwashing: Due to the highly contagious nature of the flu, it is easily spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. These germs can remain on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, emphasising the importance of regular and thorough handwashing.
- Coughing and sneezing etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, use the bend of your elbow instead of your hand. Dispose of used tissues properly to prevent further spread.
- Stay at home: If you have a high temperature or feel unwell, it is advisable to stay at home and minimise contact with others. The first five days are the most contagious, so taking precautions during this time can help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are entry points for the virus. This simple practice can help reduce the risk of infection.
- Limit contact with sick people; minimise exposure to people who already have the flu. This precaution can help prevent the transmission of the virus.
Source: World Health Organisation
By incorporating these recommendations into your daily routine, you can play an active role in protecting yourself and those around you from the flu.
To help you do that, Christeyns offers a range of hand hygiene solutions, from PHAGO’DERM SENSITIVE, a fragrance-free solution for simple and frequent hand washing, or PHAGO’GEL SPS, a hydro-alcoholic gel for hand disinfection by rubbing, to PHAGO’DERM ASEPT, an antiseptic foaming solution for hygienic hand washing with bactericidal and yeasticidal activity.
We also have available versatile solutions for cleaning and disinfecting floors and surfaces: PHAGO’SURF 2D (a concentrated disinfectant detergent for floors and surfaces) or PHAGO’SOFT (a disinfectant cleaner for surfaces).
Do not hesitate to ask for professional advice from our team to find the best solution for your case.
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
Not all biocides are registered in all countries. Please contact your local Christeyns representative about the availability of each product.
References:
- https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/flu-awareness-campaign-2023
- https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/five-simple-steps-to-protect-against-flu
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
- https://ourworldindata.org/influenza#key-insights-on-influenza
- Saloni Dattani and Fiona Spooner (2022): “How many people die from the flu?” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: ‘https://ourworldindata.org/influenza-deaths’
