2025.04.02

Isn't the flu someone else's problem? Prevention and countermeasures that gently snuggle up

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"It's influenza season again this year..."

When more and more people start coughing around the city, you feel a little anxious. In particular, we women are busy every day with work, housework, childcare, etc., so we may be a little worried when we think, "What if I get the flu ..."

In this article, we will gently and in an easy-to-understand manner about cases where influenza is likely to become severe, points that we women should be especially careful about, and most importantly, "prevention and measures to take care of ourselves".

Article Contents

Influenza countermeasures! Physical and mental care for women
- What kind of disease is influenza?
- Some of the main symptoms include:

Influenza countermeasures! Physical and mental care for women

What kind of disease is influenza?

Influenza is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. It has symptoms similar to those of a cold, but symptoms tend to appear more rapidly than colds, and are characterized by strong symptoms such as high fever, general malaise, and joint pain.

Some of the main symptoms include:

High fever above 38°C
Cough or runny nose, sore throat
Headaches, joint pain, and muscle pain
General malaise
anorexia

If these symptoms appear suddenly, suspect the possibility of influenza.

When is influenza more likely to become severe?
Influenza is a disease that can affect anyone, but it is important to know that there are cases where it is particularly susceptible to severe illness 。

Age and immunity

Small children tend to become severely ill because their immune system is not yet fully developed. In particular, babies under 6 months of age need to be careful, as this is the time when the immunity received from the mother is gradually lost 。

Elderly people have weakened immune systems, so their resistance to the influenza virus is weak and they tend to become severely ill. They also often have underlying medical conditions, which increases the risk of complications.

Underlying Diseases

Respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, etc.
Heart disease, chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, etc.
Diabetes and poor blood sugar control can easily weaken immune function.
Kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, etc.
Liver disease, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.
Immunodeficiency diseases, HIV infection, after organ transplantation, etc.
Neurological diseases, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc.

If you have these underlying conditions, your symptoms are more likely to worsen when you get the flu, and the risk of complications increases.

Pregnant women

During pregnancy, the body's immunity is temporarily reduced, which makes it easier to get infected with the flu. It has also been pointed out that contracting the flu during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriage.

other

People who are obese or obese tend to have worsening respiratory symptoms due to influenza.
Smokers and smoking weaken the immune system and increase the risk of severe influenza.
People who have been taking steroids for a long time: They have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to infections.

What women should pay special attention to

As women, our physical condition tends to fluctuate due to changes in our menstrual cycle and hormonal balance. Especially before and during your period, your immune system tends to weaken, so it's also a time when you're more susceptible to infections such as influenza.

Also, due to the busyness of our daily lives, we tend to put off taking care of ourselves, but taking care of our bodies is also important to protect ourselves from the flu.

What happens when it becomes severe?

When influenza becomes severe, it can cause complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and myocarditis. These complications can be life-threatening in some cases, so you should never let your guard down 。

In particular, elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions are at high risk of falling seriously ill in the wake of influenza, so be careful.

Gentle prevention and measures to take care of yourself
So, what specific measures can you take to protect yourself from the flu?

Influenza vaccine

The influenza vaccine cannot completely prevent infection, but it can be expected to be effective in preventing the onset of the disease and reducing symptoms. In particular, if you are at high risk of becoming seriously ill, you should actively consider getting vaccinated.

Some people may say, "I'm not good at injections...", but recently, the number of medical institutions that use needles with less pain is increasing. Also, if you have any concerns about the timing and effects of the vaccine, do not hesitate to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Hand washing and gargling

Be sure to wash your hands when you come back from an outing or before eating. It is important to lather the soap well and wash it carefully between the fingers and between the nails.

Gargle is also effective in flushing out the flu virus. Do it frequently so that your throat does not dry out.

Wearing a mask

When going out in crowds, wear a mask. Masks not only prevent the virus from entering, but also prevent the spread of the virus through your own coughing or sneezing.

When choosing a mask, choose one that is the right size for your face and fits without gaps. Also, try to change it several times a day.

Regular life

Adequate sleep and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining immunity.

Sleep: Try to wake up at the same time every day and get 7-8 hours of sleep.
Consider the balance of diet and nutrition, and try to eat three meals a day. In particular, try to actively consume vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
By continuing to exercise moderately and lightly every day, you can refresh your mind and body.

Some people may say, "I'm so busy that it's hard to find time for myself...", but even a little time is good, so try to have time to work on your body.

Use of humidifiers

When the air is dry, the mucous membrane of the throat dries out, making it easier to allow viruses to enter. Use a humidifier to maintain the proper humidity in the room.

If you don't have a humidifier, you can expect a humidifying effect by simply drying a wet towel or boiling water.

Take a break

If you feel a little tired, don't overdo it and take a break. Resting your body is very important to boost your immune system.

Some people may say, "I'm not good at resting...", but it's also important to pamper yourself. Sometimes, listen to your mind and body and take time to rest.

Don't let stress get to you

Stress is one of the causes of weakened immunity. To avoid accumulating stress, find your own stress relief method and manage your stress well.

Try to make a conscious effort to make time to enjoy your hobbies, talk to friends, and relax.

Early consultation

If you experience flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Starting treatment early can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Some people may say, "It's a little scary to go to the hospital...", but medical institutions are on our side. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or nurse.

Consideration for surroundings

If you get the flu yourself, be careful not to infect others.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief to prevent droplets from flying to those around you.

Refrain from going out as much as possible and recuperate at home.

If you have family members or housemates, take thorough infection control measures.

How to deal with the flu well

Influenza is a disease that anyone can contract, but if you know the right knowledge and countermeasures, you don't need to be overly afraid.

The important thing is to take care of your body on a daily basis and try to live a life that boosts your immunity. And if you do get the flu, it's important to take a good rest and not overdo it.

We women tend to put ourselves on the back burner, saying, "I don't know...", but let's listen to our minds and bodies and try to take time to work on ourselves.

I would be happy if this information leads to your health and peace of mind. Let's get through the flu season with a smile on our faces.

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