Prof. Dr. Todor Kantarjiev: Spring flu comes in March

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Prof. Dr. Todor Kantarjiev: Spring flu comes in March
Prof. Dr. Todor Kantarjiev: Spring flu comes in March
Anonim

With rising temperatures, a new flu wave is expected. However, the expected strains will be those characteristic of the spring-summer season, and not those that caused the winter flu epidemic. Since many people had the flu this year, they should know that after a severe viral infection for a month or two, the immunity is reduced

"We must guard against other infections, eat a variety of food, as well as follow a good diet, which will improve our immunity in a short time," said the director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Prof. D Dr. Todor Kantarjiev.

GPs are also already warning their patients that a new wave of flu and colds is coming due to the sudden warming. According to them, the viruses that will attack us are associated with sore throats, fevers and stomach ailments.

“This year, the flu will not pass us by in the spring either. Already in March, viruses are expected to attack the youngest and the elderly. Viruses with dry cough and high fever will attack children with the first spring days. They are related to the period of lowered immunity of our body in the spring. These viruses will go away, but others will come later - the enteroviruses, which also cause sore throats, commented the doctor.

Scarlata and chicken pox torment the kids

“At the same time, there are more cases of chicken pox and scarlet fever. Since the beginning of this year, the cases of chickenpox are 500 more than last year, and those of scarlet fever are 300-400 times more. The reason for the last disease is the lack of microbiological research. And that some colleagues prescribe expensive antibiotics that are rarely given. And they don't work in this case. The cure for scarlet fever is the cheapest penicillin drugs. However, they have one drawback - they have to be given often, which is a nightmare for modern mothers , added the specialist.

Chili peppers do not cure influenza

“After genetic research, 3 strains of influenza B - “Victoria” have already been proven, which has not appeared since October 2016. This strain is in the flu vaccine. At this time it is good to take vitamin D to produce antibodies. In winter, adults should take four drops per day, 10-20 days.

I do not advise anyone to constantly do immunostimulation with various newly discovered things, because it exhausts the body and the immunity can go in another direction , says the specialist.

“In Bulgaria, everyone finds something - propolis, hot peppers. However, you cannot treat the flu with hot peppers. If the flu could be treated with herbs, America wouldn't pay crazy money for Tamiflu and Relenza, they would buy Bulgarian herbs and greens."

Eat well

“I have said another time - it is enough for a person to eat well and to observe Bulgarian eating habits. My personal recommendation is to eat Bulgarian pickles. For many years pickles and sauerkraut were the only source of vitamin C in winter for Bulgarians. The only thing that needs to change is to eat more fish. Bulgarians don't like fish, but they should. Unfortunately, people are very influenced by the advertisements they are bombarded with every day. And it's a pity that we, who gave humanity yogurt, are now eating some surrogates , says Kantarjiev.

How to deal with a stubborn cold?

If you complain that you are often sick, look at the medicines in your medicine cabinet. What is yours full of - cough syrups, nasal drops, fever reducers? And did you know that such an approach to self-medication sometimes does more harm than good?!

Many of the well-known over-the-counter medications temporarily relieve certain symptoms, but the risk of exceeding their safe dose is very real. Especially if you use the popular dissolvable powders for flu and cold in an attempt to achieve faster relief. The side effects of some of their ingredients should not be underestimated - for example, paracetamol, which damages the liver when taken in large doses.

Another common mistake is using nose drops for a week or more. Few people are aware that this damages the nasal mucosa and after a while the drops become completely ineffective. Excessive use of antipyretics, analgesics, etc. additionally burdens the body with chemical substances, which destroys immunity. And so you close the circle of frequent sickness. Therefore, always strictly follow the recommendations for taking any medication.

Natural remedies from the kitchen

When coughing, it is important to drink plenty of fluids - water, warm herbal tea, homemade broth or soup, as good hydration ensures the liquefaction of secretions and their easier excretion. Harness the power of quality honey, which relieves more effectively than syrups. For example, dissolve a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water with squeezed lemon juice. Or make a tea with some grated ginger root and flavor it with lemon and honey. Honey soothes an irritated throat and its antibacterial ingredients fight infection.

Inhalations fight cough

Inhalation with chamomile and baking soda is another powerful weapon in the fight against cough. 1-2 drops of thyme oil can be added to the water - it helps with various respiratory problems.

In case of viral infections with runny nose and cough, it is good to limit the intake of milk and milk products, which increase the amount of mucus in the body. Important helpers of the body in the fight against viruses are antioxidants - vitamins A, C, E and selenium, as well as trace elements. Therefore, it is important to consume a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables every day, especially lemon, onion, garlic and horseradish. They are rich in phytoncides - substances that kill microbes.

Don't miss the benefits of rosehip and linden herbal tea, elderberry juice or syrup. You may not know, but the quince, traditional for Bulgarian gardens, can be used as a sweet medicine. The coverings of the quince seeds contain substances that help to separate the secretions. From the fruit and seeds, you can make a decoction that is rich in vitamin C and very effective for treating runny nose and cough, Prof. Kantarjiev gives his professional advice.

Parainfluenza viruses are also multiplying

Parainfluenza respiratory viruses are especially dangerous for older people who have heart disease, chronic diseases of the lungs, kidneys and endocrine glands. They are also particularly unfavorable for small children. Viruses usually become active when the weather is changeable, like in this transitional season. Out of 200 varieties, the rhinovirus family is the largest. They multiply extremely quickly and are highly sticky and are transmitted not only by droplet route but also by hand contact. They affect the upper respiratory tract and nasal mucosa, causing sinusitis and sore throat

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