Choperas of cold weather

2000/12/24 Kortabarria Olabarria, Beñardo - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Osasuna

Cold-related illnesses, respiratory infections, pneumonia and, in general, increase considerably in winter.

The most serious epidemic of the flu or influenza virus so far occurred in 1918. Then 20 million people died, many of them a few hours after the first symptoms of the disease. Not so strong, but more violent attacks on the flu: In 1957 throughout Asia, in 1968 in Hong-Kong and in 1977 in Russia, for example. They are more than an epidemic. It cannot be said whether this can happen today, but if it were 1918 it could affect 30% of the world population.

Despite pandemics and epidemics, it is already known that influenza viruses have affected humanity for a long time. The first news in this regard dates back to the fifth year before Christ. However, until 1933 it was not possible to isolate and identify the first influenza virus. Influenza is a type A and B influenza virus respiratory infection. There is a third group, C, but it does not appear to generate excessively serious diseases. The flu is easily transmitted. The virus penetrates the body through mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, or eyes. As the virus comes out into the air when someone touches, anyone around them can breathe and suck. Most of the time the flu is taken by children first, then spread to other places. According to statistics, in winter the flu attacks 20% of the population.

The debate about the cause of the flu has been quite long, but it seems that scientists are coming to an agreement lately: the flu comes from China. According to scientists, in China the fields of life of animals and people are mixed. They say that the animals that produce the most influenza viruses are ducks that have long been integrated into Chinese life. The breeding of ducks and the planting of rice are done jointly in China, since the ducks eat insects that approach the rice plants. That is why the influenza virus has its hiding place and extends to the world.

As discussed at the beginning, although it usually goes a few days in bed, sometimes the flu can be very dangerous, as it can cause other respiratory diseases like pneumonia. The risk is mainly focused on older people and with some chronic disease.

Those who write these lines know that in days like today and tomorrow the advice that follows on a stomach full of stomach and honesty will not be so successful as warm welcome among readers. However, we must give, among other things, because they do not come badly to spend the next day:

To avoid cracks:

• Of course, but it's already too late.
• Do not approach those who have flu.
• Wash your hands often to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Try not to breathe smoke, and if you're a smoker, try to smoke less, or quit smoking.
• Try to live healthy: eat everything but to measure, sleep a lot and drink plenty of water.

If you have the flu:

• Resting is very important.
• If you stay at home there is less chance of transmitting the virus to others.
• Drink plenty of liquid but not alcohol.
• After the disappearance of the symptoms, 3 or 4 days the transmission of the flu occurs. Keep it in mind.
• The flu is immune to antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Do not take antibiotics.
• With this you can end the flu. But other symptoms may appear: mucus filled with blood, chest pain, headache, headache… in which to call the doctor.

Ai, but it is not the only evil that the flu increases in winter by low temperatures, such as bone aches, are frequent in this time of year, rheumatism. There is still no certainty about the factors that cause it, but it is believed that they can be related to genes, viruses, hormones and foods. Infections that are exacerbated by cold and cold are ideal for rheumatism to attack the immune system. Although the cause of the disease is not known, scientists consider that the main measure of rheumatic prevention is in food. Specifically, scientists recommend a diet based on cooked vegetables and raw olive oil.

Therefore, if you want to improve your health, it is clear that Christmas eating habits are not the most appropriate. However, for those who write, not everything is to have good health, meet around the table, dine and eat, and above all, being in good atmosphere is worth something. If necessary as much as sore throat or waist! Let everyone take the measure! ! Have fun!

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