1. Vaccination against influenza before pregnancy to prevent the occurrence of influenza.
It is important to get vaccinated against influenza as early as possible. This can help produce antibodies before the influenza season arrives, creating an immune barrier in the population.
For pregnant women, those who are less than 3 months pregnant should avoid getting the influenza vaccine. Pregnant women who are more than 3 months along should consult and follow the advice of healthcare professionals regarding prenatal care before getting vaccinated. Pregnant women who are less than 3 months along can engage in moderate exercise and pay attention to keeping warm. Family members who have close contact with pregnant women should also get vaccinated against influenza to prevent transmission.
2. Boost immunity by eating foods that enhance immune function.
1. Tea: Antibacterial and prevents influenza. Immunologists at Harvard University found that people who drink five cups of black tea daily for two weeks produce a large amount of antiviral interferon, which is ten times higher than those who do not drink tea. This protein can effectively help the body resist influenza, and it can also alleviate symptoms of food poisoning, wound infections, athlete's foot, and even tuberculosis and malaria. Of course, drinking green tea has the same effect.
2. Fresh radish: It has immune effects due to its rich content of interferon inducers.
3. Apples: They can increase the number of white blood cells in the blood.
4. Wheat bran: Contains magnesium, zinc, and selenium that can enhance immune function; it can be mixed into grain foods.
5. Seafood: Also contains minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper that help promote immune function.
6. Shiitake mushrooms: The polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms can enhance the body's immunity. Other mushrooms like button mushrooms, lion's mane mushrooms, straw mushrooms, black fungus, white fungus, and lily also have significant immune-boosting effects.
7. Chicken soup: A delicious remedy for colds. The cysteine released from chicken during cooking is very similar to the drug acetylcysteine used to treat bronchitis. Salty chicken soup can alleviate symptoms of excessive phlegm because it is similar to the ingredients in cough medicine. Adding some onions and garlic while simmering chicken soup can enhance its effectiveness.
8. Garlic: Allicin has anti-infection and antibacterial properties. Research results from British scientists indicate that consuming garlic can reduce the likelihood of catching a cold by two-thirds. People who frequently chew garlic also have a significantly lower risk of colon and stomach cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to eat two cloves of raw garlic daily and add some minced garlic when cooking.
3. Enhance personal preventive awareness.
Try to avoid unnecessary contact with poultry and birds, especially children should avoid close contact with domestic and wild birds. If experiencing symptoms like fever or cough, do not self-medicate or misuse antibiotics; seek medical attention promptly. When diagnosed with influenza, actively isolate from healthy individuals and avoid public places to prevent transmission to others. Generally, try to avoid closed and crowded transportation. When traveling, it is best to open the windows to maintain air circulation and reduce virus density, but it is still advisable to minimize contact in crowded situations.
4. Maintain sufficient sleep and pay attention to hygiene.
Exercise more, wash hands frequently, ensure good ventilation indoors, and maintain good personal hygiene habits. When coughing, use tissues or handkerchiefs to cover your mouth and nose, and do not sneeze or cough directly at others. Do not throw used tissues or handkerchiefs around; wash hands after sneezing, coughing, or wiping your nose. Wash hands immediately after contacting patients and respiratory secretions, and wear a mask when caring for patients with respiratory infectious diseases.
