TO today we have not yet had to deal with the peak of the seasonal flu, but the cases are growing and the peak is coming, warn the experts, who expect this year to have to face a particularly insidious virus, capable of leave significant consequences.
Influence: what risks and who runs them most
Specialists explain that the flu can present with different forms of severity and some population groups, for example patients with chronic diseases can easily develop serious flu complications such as viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia and worsening of underlying medical conditions.
It is presumable that this drop in temperatures is the ‘trigger’ for the arrival of the actual flu, with the peak which according to experts will arrive between the end of the year and the first weeks of 2025. You see the situation today several isolations of actual influenza viruses«even the famous A/H3N2 of Australian origin which is more worrying, given that it is immunoevasive and has the possibility of creating more severe symptoms. This year the virus will take off right around the holidays, even if the peak will be in January. The number of flu-like syndromes is supported not only by influenza viruses, but also by other respiratory viruses”, recently specified theHigher Institute of Health.
How to protect yourself from the flu? Can prevention be done by strengthening the immune system?
The immune system, explains the doctor Heide De TogniPharmacist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Phytotherapy from the University of Siena and scientific director of Schwabe Pharma Italyis made up of a complex network of cells that have the function of protecting us from infectious agents. «About 70% of ours immune system resides in the intestinal microbiotait is therefore necessary to have a healthy intestinal microbiota with stability and biodiversity both in terms of composition and bacterial function.
The most useful natural extracts
It is possible to modulate the immune response, allowing keep “under control” the quantity of molecules necessary to mediate inflammationin order to have a correct response to infections. Through one balanced diet rich in micronutrients containing zinc, selenium and vitamins of groups B, C and D. And preferably combined with plant extracts and probiotic strains selected for population targets, such as Bifidobacterium animalis subs. lactis BI-04 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1505″.
And if you are infected, what are your tips for dealing with the symptoms?
In the presence of symptoms, continues the expert, it is advisable to follow some simple rules. Stay at rest and warm, drink lots of water or liquids to avoid dehydration, follow a diet that tries to exclude heavy foods as much as possible, stock up on vitamins and mineral salts to support the immune system.
Which flu symptoms should you be most careful about?
«The first symptoms of respiratory infections are always represented by sneezing and nasal discharge, but a sore throat also appears, sometimes fever, general exhaustion and, subsequently, cough. If not properly treated, this infection can lead to more complex disorders such as bronchitis or sinusitis. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is always necessary to consult your doctor to investigate accurately and in depth”, advises the expert.
What are the most effective remedies?
«There are various molecules on the market that are useful for alleviating the symptoms related to respiratory infections, continues the specialist, but there are also extracts, derived from medicinal plants, which also have aantiviral, immunomodulatory and secretolytic action.
An example is a traditional herbal medicine containing the standardized extract of Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630. Pelargonium sidoides is a variety of geranium of South African origin with proven effectiveness in treating symptoms such as colds, coughs and sore throats”, explains the doctor.
Natural remedies can help relieve flu symptoms (Getty Images)
Other indications for a faster recovery?
«To counteract the profound asthenia caused by this season’s influenza virus, the support of an adaptogen with a unique pharmacological profile may be useful: Rodhiola roseaknown as “yellow gold” for the bright color of its flowers. This medicinal plant works rebalancing our stress adaptation system, therefore the stressor is also the flu state. It acts both on a physical level in reactivating metabolic energy and on a mental level by promoting the balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The benefit reaches also cortisol levelscalled stress hormone”, adds the expert.
The importance of the microbiota
It is also essential – concludes Dr. De Togni – to support the body with essential micronutrients to recover energy more quickly. And don’t forget to bring the interim microbiota back to health, especially after antibiotic therapy, through choice of targeted probiotic strains. The combination of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria allows you to quickly restore the integrity of the intestinal barrier and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Saccharomyces boulardii it is instead an ally during antibiotic therapy.
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