Influenza prevention

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses A and B. Influenza infect the upper and / or lower part of the respiratory system (nose, pharynx, larynx, bronchi). Usually the term “flu” is used as a synonym for “cold” or “allowance” but in strict medical terms, “flu” is a disease caused by the above specific viruses.

Influenza is transmitted from one person to another when a patient coughs, sneezes, or talks and spreads the virus into the air, through very small, invisible droplets. Influenza viruses are also transmitted through hands, when someone touches objects and surfaces that have flu virus on it and then touches his own mouth, eyes or possibly his nose. Factors such as cold weather and crowded places increase influenza’s transmission.

Flu symptoms usually start suddenly and include high fever, muscles and joints ache, headache, tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough (usually dry). Children may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, while in adults these symptoms are rare. As for adults, the symptoms for which you should immediately consult your doctor are: high and persistent fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, fainting episodes, confusion, vomiting, weakness.

Precautions

Vaccination is the main way to prevent seasonal flu. Strict adherence to hand hygiene and other measures for respiratory infections reduces the risk of transmission. For this reason:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Wash your hands often. Frequent hand washing can help stop the spread of germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Flu viruses are often spread when a person touches objects and surfaces that are contaminated with germs and then touch his own eyes, nose or mouth.

Please get in contact with the Occupational Doctor of your company or with the Health Department of GEP (Int. 2111882850), to get further information about influenza precaution and vaccination. Although the best time for vaccination is the period October-November, it is advised to vaccinate people even later, if for any reason early vaccination did not take place, especially if they belong to vulnerable groups.