PREVENTION IS EASIER

ARI (Acute Respiratory Infections) are the most common causes of sickness for mankind and constitute half of all acute illnesses. ARI are associated with 30-50 per cent of the working time lost by adults and 60-80 per cent of absences from school by children. It is quite difficult to determine which virus is the cause of the disease in a specific patient, because the symptoms of ARI are not specific for a particular virus. An accurate diagnosis can be established only in the laboratory. However, there is normally no need for such methods, because the treatment of all types of ARI is similar in most cases. Vaccination is the most reliable way to protect oneself from influenza and its complications. Years of international experience of influenza vaccination have proved the safety and efficacy of this particular method of preventing influenza. Anyone can protect themselves and their children against flu, choosing the most suitable vaccine and vaccination at an opportune time by contacting the municipal and regional health care institutions in their neighbourhoods.

Non-specific prevention

A properly organized diet is one method of non-specific prevention of acute respiratory diseases and influenza. It is essential to follow a properly balanced diet which ensures the normal functioning of the immune system. First of all, food must contain sufficient amounts of protein. The immunoglobulins which provide resistance to disease are proteins, and their synthesis requires an entire set of amino acids. When there is a deficiency of any amino acids, the lymphocytes - immune cells that synthesize immunoglobulins - are unable to construct them. To provide a normal amount of protein, it is necessary to eat about 300 grams of meat, fish, poultry and cheese, 100 grams of cereals and 350 grams of bread per day. The remaining 5 grams of protein required daily, can be "obtained" from vegetables - the diet should contain 100 grams of protein of both vegetable and animal origin.

Since the walls of the cells, which save the body from being invaded by pathogenic enemies, consist of lipids, including cholesterol, fat is required for the development of immunity. Cholesterol should also be present in food - but in moderate amounts. Thus, in winter one should not follow a "low-fat" diet or give up eggs and animal fats. In winter, you need to consume 10 grams of animal fat and 20 grams of vegetable oil per day. For animal fat, you can use butter or fat. Fat contains a large amount of arachidonic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids), from which the body synthesizes mediators of immune response. A sufficiency of vitamins in the diet plays an indispensable role in disease prevention, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - in the prevention of ARI and influenza. Volatile products required for the prevention of acute infectious diseases are contained in onions and garlic.

If you want to be healthy - get yourself fit!

The main means of fitness are air, water and sunlight. Combining them with physical exercise increases the body's efficiency (fitness).

The most common and accessible form of fitness is fresh air. During warm weather, long walks in fresh air and sleep in a room with an open window, when the air temperature is not lower than 16 degrees, can be used to improve fitness. It is useful to walk barefoot at home every day. Starting with 1 minute and adding 1 minute every 5 -7 days, you can increase the duration of your walks to 10-15 minutes. In the cold season, metered walks and so-called "slow" fitness runs in lightweight clothing etc. are useful for fitness.

The use of water treatment for fitness has its own characteristics. Water is a more energetic factor in fitness than air. The thermal conductivity of water is 28 times higher than that of air. In addition to its effect by temperature, water has a mechanical effect on the skin, being a kind of massage, which improves capillary circulation. The most common forms of water fitness at home are rub-downs, dousing with water and showers. Fitness procedures begin with a water temperature of at least 34-35 degrees, and during daily dousing procedures (rub-downs), the water temperature should be reduced to 22-24 degrees every 6-7 days. Rub-downs and dousing with water at this temperature are recommended for 2-3 months. If there are no adverse reactions (catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, weakness, irritability, increased irritability, sleep disturbances or loss of appetite) you can move on to water fitness procedures at a lower temperature - 22 degrees, reducing it gradually over a period of 10 days. With daily rub-downs (dousing), you can reduce the water temperature to 10-12 degrees (tap water temperature).

An effective path to fitness is a shower (recommended only for healthy and fit persons): for about 3 minutes, water should be quickly switched from warm (40 degrees) to cold several times. A steam bath is of great importance for fitness. A combination of heat, steam, water and mechanical stimulation with a sponge or broom enhances metabolism, respiration and blood circulation. However, steam baths should not be too frequent, especially in old age (once or twice a week while the length of stay in the sauna room should not exceed 10-15 minutes).

Healthy spirit in a healthy body!  

Physical exercises are an effective method of preventing acute respiratory infections. They are most useful in fresh air in the mornings. In order not to expose the body to excessive cold, outdoor exercises are done at a more vigorous pace and for shorter periods. In hot weather, especially in high humidity, you should take measures to prevent overheating. After physical exercises, it is recommended that you take a shower.

Support the immune system...

Without waiting for an epidemiological rise in acute respiratory infections, it is recommended to take ascorbic acid and multivitamins. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) plays an important role in the regulation of redox processes, carbohydrate metabolism, blood coagulation and tissue regeneration. It improves body resistance. For prevention it is recommended to take 0.5-1 grams once or twice a day. It should be noted that the largest amount of vitamin C is contained in the juice of sauerkraut, as well as in citrus fruits - lemons, kiwi, oranges and grapefruits. Fresh cabbage salad with sunflower oil, containing a large supply of vitamins and trace elements, is also useful.

There is a large range of pharmacological agents available in the city's pharmacies which are designed to maintain immunity and prevent acute infectious diseases. The use of drugs should be agreed with a doctor.