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During the current period, influenza viruses are spreading quickly, and therefore it is important to focus on prevention and proper treatment. Many people try to fight the flu or its symptoms in various ways, but doctors point to one common mistake we make that not only does not help but can worsen our health.
Why can excessive use of antibiotics be dangerous?
At the first signs of the flu, many people resort to excessive use of antibiotics, believing that it will help them recover more quickly. But this is a mistaken notion. Influenza is viral in origin and antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections. Excessive and improper use of antibiotics can lead to the development of bacterial resistance, which means that in the case of a true bacterial infection, antibiotics will be less effective.
In addition, taking antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription can negatively affect the microflora in our body, which can cause health complications such as digestive problems or a weakened immune system.
How to properly take care of your health during the flu?
Proper prevention and treatment are key to ensuring a quick recovery. The foundation is to attend to hygiene (thorough hand washing, avoiding touching your eyes, mouth and nose), but also to support the immune system with proper nutrition and rest. Increasing intake of probiotics, getting enough sleep and eating a varied diet are necessary to support your health in the fight against viruses.
Remember that even if you take care of yourself, viruses may still affect you. Doctor Alexander Myasnikov explains what you should not do when you have the flu or a cold and what mistakes most of us still make.
What to do and what not to do during the flu or a cold?
- Drinking alcohol is a big mistake – During the flu, definitely avoid alcohol. Alcohol can disrupt your immunity and prolong recovery time.
- Don’t restrict your diet – Many people tend to cut back on food during illness, but that is not correct. On the contrary, food is important to support recovery. According to Dr. Myasnikov, the best food during illness is chicken soup, which contains a lot of zinc and magnesium.
- Limit vitamin C – Although vitamin C is important for our immunity, its excessive use is not beneficial for speeding up treatment. “People who have the flu often believe that high doses of vitamin C will help them recover faster, but in fact it rather slows down the recovery process,” the doctor warns. It is best to rely on natural foods rich in vitamins.
- Plenty of sleep – If you feel tired, give your body enough rest. The immune system needs sleep to regenerate and fight viruses.
Why are we so often sick?
Many studies show that people who do not have sufficient intake of vitamin D more often suffer from upper respiratory tract infections, which can cause cough, a scratchy throat or a stuffy nose. Studies also confirm that vitamin D in combination with zinc can indeed reduce viral replication and alleviate flu symptoms.
If you often feel tired and prone to colds or the flu, consider increasing your intake of vitamin D and zinc. These vitamins and minerals can help your body better defend itself against viruses and infections.
Conclusion: How to properly protect yourself from the flu?
The flu and colds are common illnesses, but proper prevention is the key to recovering as soon as possible and preventing complications. It is important to avoid mistakes such as excessive use of antibiotics or vitamin C and focus on proper nutrition, adequate rest and supporting the immune system with probiotics and vitamins.
If you want to protect yourself from frequent illnesses, don’t forget sufficient intake of vitamin D, proper hygiene and a healthy diet. And if you have symptoms of the flu or a cold, never wait — rather contact a specialist who will recommend the proper treatment.
