The Australian flu reaches Italy. It is estimated that around 250,000 people are affected by this virus every day. A worrying number that will see the peak of infections during Christmas time. The scary thing is that, according to estimates, the peak of the subjects affected by seasonal flu will be the highest in the last 15 years.
Australian flu: symptoms
There are two different forms of Australian flu. Certain forms of flu can last for a week causing fever (even a severe one), bone pain, sore throat, cold, and loss of appetite.
In its more aggressive forms, the fever can be severe and associated with respiratory symptoms such as asthma and gastrointestinal problems.
There’s also a variant that leads to symptoms that are actually not associated with fever on the first day, with the flu returning later with its classic symptoms. It’s the Darwin virus, which strikes during its incubation phase that lasts 1-2 days.
Therapy
Treatments for Australian flu are the same as for other types of flu. The fever, which can also be severe, requires taking antipyretics. It’s absolutely forbidden to take antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor. This happens only if a bacterial nature complication gets detected. It’s fair to reiterate that antibiotics have no effects against viruses, and if taken inadequately they can generate resistances.
People at higher risks
The elderly, the frail subjects and the pregnant women are the most exposed to risks and can experience the worst symptoms. Young adults are the most affected. It’s a segment of the population that is involved in the country’s productivity, and so many cases all at once can create problems for companies, especially during peak season which is expected at Christmas.
However, the situation will not improve that much in January, even if some will already be immunized by then. The Australian flu gets prevented with the flu vaccine. There’s no contraindication with the dose of the anti-Covid vaccine, so it’s possible to carry out both vaccinations in the same season.
How to protect yourself from the Australian flu
It’s always important to protect yourself from viruses and bacteria in everyday life. The face mask still is the most effective barrier because it blocks the access to the micro particles of saliva that spread through the air, which represents the main vehicle of contact. This instance takes the name of direct contagion.
When we speak, sneeze or cough, invisible droplets of saliva are expelled, and they end up hitting the respiratory tract of the people nearby.
In crowded places, such as public transport or venues for events and exhibitions, the risk of contagion is higher. In the absence of the mask, a scarf can replace it, which in addition to protecting from cold temperatures, it maintains the right degree of humidity of the mucous membrane which produces mucus, creating a barrier. If there’s dry air, perhaps due to the excessive heat generated by air conditioners, the chances of contracting the virus are higher.