The flu season is just around the corner, so it's high time to step up our protection. How can VIROSTOP help us in this regard?
Every year, 5 to 15% of the population gets sick with the flu. It's not just a common illness, and in Slovakia alone, approximately 800 people die from it every year. Fortunately, we can protect ourselves from the flu, and one of the options is the regular application of VIROSTOP products. So, how can we prepare for the upcoming flu season in advance?
The flu is not a common cold, let's not underestimate it
The flu is a viral illness caused by several strains of the influenza virus. Unlike the common cold, its symptoms come on suddenly and with greater intensity. The infection affects the nose, throat, and can even spread to the lungs. It is accompanied by high fever, muscle aches, back and headaches, fatigue, exhaustion, dry cough, sore throat, and a runny nose.
You can fall ill with the flu at any time of the year, but its prevalence is more significant during the cold and dry seasons. Unlike cold viruses, which thrive at temperatures around 20°C, the flu virus prefers temperatures around 5°C and lower humidity. In our region, the flu season typically begins to rise in October, peaks around January, and usually continues until March.
The flu is highly contagious, and an infected person can transmit the virus one day before the first symptoms appear. Their infectiousness persists for another seven days. It can affect anyone, but for some patients, it can have more serious consequences.
Possible complications of the flu
Even a healthy adult can be bedridden for an entire week due to the flu. However, there are groups of people at higher risk of developing more severe complications. Complications can include pneumonia, sinus or ear infections, which can be viral or secondary bacterial infections.
For young children and the elderly, high fever and the risk of dehydration can be dangerous in themselves.
Less common complications may involve issues with the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, muscle inflammation, or a significant worsening of another chronic condition. The flu is a condition that should be taken very seriously.
Who is most vulnerable and should take extra precautions for prevention?
The flu can lead to life-threatening complications, resulting in hospitalization, long-term consequences, worsening of other illnesses, and even death. If you haven't had a flu shot this year or choose not to, it's essential to increase other preventive measures and approach this risk responsibly.
Specifically, this applies to certain groups of people who are at an increased risk of experiencing a more severe course of the flu. These high-risk groups include children under 5 years old, adults over 65, pregnant women, individuals with lung diseases, heart and vascular conditions, neurological disorders, or weakened immune systems.
What measures can we use to prevent the flu?
The most effective prevention methods include flu vaccination, good hygiene habits, avoiding crowds, maintaining proper nasal hygiene, and supporting a healthy lifestyle. In case we still get sick, we should focus on isolation during the entire period of treatment. We can also enhance our natural resistance in the upper respiratory tract by using VIROSTOP products.
The foundation of prevention is regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If handwashing is not possible, we should use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol content. It's essential to avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with our hands. In schools and workplaces, we should regularly ventilate and disinfect shared objects, especially door handles and light switches.
We can get sick from another infected person, so we should avoid anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory infection. Since the flu can also be transmitted by someone who appears healthy, during large gatherings or contact with a broader range of people, we can protect our respiratory tract with a respirator or by treating our mucous membranes with VIROSTOP solution.
How to properly use VIROSTOP in prevention and treatment?
VIROSTOP solution contains extracts from five plants, primarily containing polyphenols. These compounds block the binding sites of viral particles, preventing them from infecting our cells. In the space outside the cells, our immune system can more easily recognize and eliminate them.
VIROSTOP can be used in situations where there is an increased risk of infection or when someone is already sick. When using it preventatively, follow the recommended dosage for preventive use. In cases of the onset or progression of infection, use it according to the instructions for acute conditions. Always check the dosage in the accompanying leaflet before use.
VIROSTOP solution acts locally on the surface of the upper respiratory tract mucous membranes, creating an additional protective layer. To protect as much mucosal surface as possible, it should be applied simultaneously to both the nasal and oral mucous membranes. This is why we combine the nasal spray VIROSTOP with the oral spray or lozenges. All forms are suitable for individuals over 3 years of age, with no reported adverse effects to date. If you belong to a high-risk group for flu complications, consider additional protection for your mucous membranes using VIROSTOP extract.
