Practical Tips to Help You Prevent the Flu Effectively

Getting vaccinated regularly, avoiding crowded places, washing hands frequently, boosting your immune system, and maintaining a clean environment are essential strategies for flu prevention. Let’s explore more about influenza and how to protect yourself with insights from H PLUS International Medical Center.

What causes the flu?

Influenza is a contagious viral illness caused by the Influenza virus, which spreads rapidly—especially through close contact with infected individuals. Cold weather and high humidity also contribute to increased infection rates. If left uncontrolled, influenza can escalate into outbreaks or even pandemics.

The flu virus mainly spreads through:

• Respiratory droplets: Inhaling virus-laden particles in the air

• Saliva and droplets: Contact with droplets from coughs, sneezes, or conversations

• Nasal secretions: Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face, nose, or mouth

Common symptoms of influenza include:

• High fever over 38°C

• Body aches and muscle pain

• Severe headaches

• Nasal congestion and runny nose

• Dry cough and sore throat

Note: Flu symptoms can be confused with the common cold. However, influenza usually starts suddenly with high fever and body aches, while colds tend to develop gradually with milder symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose.

How to protect yourself from the flu

Wear a mask and avoid crowded places

Flu spreads quickly through various means. Avoid crowded environments unless necessary. If you have the flu, limit contact with others—especially family—to prevent further transmission. Always wear a mask outdoors and change it every two hours for optimal protection.

Wash your hands frequently

Clean hands are one of the most effective defenses against flu. Wash hands regularly using antibacterial soap or sanitizers. Plain water is not sufficient to eliminate viruses completely.

Our hands come into contact with numerous surfaces throughout the day, increasing the risk of virus transfer to the face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and always wash your hands properly.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Coughing and sneezing help expel irritants and pathogens from the body but can release virus-filled droplets into the air. Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading infection to others. This is not only a protective habit but also a social courtesy.

Additionally, daily nasal and throat rinses with saline solution can help remove bacteria and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Strengthen your immune system

A healthy immune system is key to fighting off flu viruses. Strengthen your defenses with a well-balanced diet. Consider the following:

• Vitamin C-rich foods: Boost antibody production. Sources include oranges, grapefruit, guava, lemons, broccoli, bok choy, and sprouts

• Zinc-rich foods: Help reduce viral replication. Found in lean pork, egg yolks, cereals, and pork liver

• Herbs: Perilla, basil, fish mint, dill—possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

• Ginger and garlic: Their warming nature and spiciness relieve flu symptoms. Try hot ginger tea with honey

Keep your environment clean

A clean and well-ventilated living or working space not only improves air quality but also limits virus transmission.

At work, shared items such as desks, computers, and phones are breeding grounds for viruses. Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces with sanitizer is essential.

Get the flu vaccine

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe complications. Vaccines help the body generate antibodies to defend against flu viruses.

Who should get vaccinated:

• Infants under 6 months: Cannot be vaccinated—protect them by vaccinating those around them

• Pregnant women: Vaccination not only protects the mother but also helps the baby build immunity

Best time to get vaccinated:

Flu season peaks in autumn and winter. It’s best to get vaccinated before outbreaks begin. The body takes about two weeks post-vaccination to develop immunity, so take care of your health during this time.

Safety and possible side effects:

Flu vaccines are generally very safe. Minor reactions may include:

• Mild swelling or pain at the injection site

• Headache or fatigue

• Low-grade fever

These symptoms usually subside within 1–2 days.

Available flu vaccines in Vietnam:

• Vaxigrip Tetra (France)

• Influvac Tetra (Netherlands)

• GC Flu Quadrivalent (South Korea)

• Ivacflu-S (Vietnam)

Proactive vaccination helps protect you and those around you—especially during flu season!

When to see a doctor

Seek medical care immediately if you or a loved one experience the following symptoms:

• High fever above 40°C

• Seizures

• Breathing difficulty or shallow breathing

• Chest or abdominal pain

• Lethargy in infants

• Severe muscle aches or limited mobility

• Inability to urinate

• Pale or bluish skin

• Persistent headache or dizziness

• Extreme fatigue

• Worsening chronic conditions

High-risk groups for flu complications include:

• Children under 2 years old

• Adults over 65 years

• Pregnant women

• Immunocompromised individuals

• People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, COPD, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes

Protect Your Family from the Flu – Get Vaccinated at H PLUS International Medical Center!

Don’t let the seasonal flu put your family’s health at risk. Vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its dangerous complications.

At H PLUS, we offer professional flu vaccination services with:

• Official imported vaccines stored to strict Ministry of Health standards for maximum effectiveness

• Free pre-vaccination screening to ensure your safety

• Modern, family-friendly environment with a spacious waiting area and colorful play zones for kids

• Experienced Korean doctors and medical staff committed to providing safe, expert care throughout your vaccination journey

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Phòng khám Đa khoa Quốc tế H PLUS | H PLUS International Medical Center
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