Daily Busan
Stay vigilant to prevent the spread of winter viruses
This winter, cases of influenza and norovirus are surging nationwide. Additionally, measles infections are on the rise worldwide.
The following measures can help protect you and your loved ones from these highly infectious illnesses.
●Proper hygiene can stop the flu
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Common symptoms include fever, chills, aches, coughing and chest discomfort. Influenza can also lead to secondary complications like pneumonia or bacterial infections.
The flu virus spreads through droplets in the air that are released when an infected person sneezes, coughs, talks or laughs. People can become infected by breathing in the droplets or touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face, nose, mouth or eyes.
Individuals can take several precautions to minimize the risk of infection. First, avoid contact with people who display flu-like symptoms. Second, wash hands with soap and running water. People should also consider wearing masks when in public.
Finally, people should cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing, and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms occur.
While these steps reduce the risks of contracting the flu, vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure. The government provides free flu vaccines to all residents aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women and adults 65 and older.
●Stop norovirus with food safety
Norovirus is a common and highly contagious virus and a leading cause of foodborne illnesses. Infected individuals suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain.
Norovirus is transmitted through contaminated food and liquids, close contact with an infected person and touching contaminated surfaces.
Since no vaccine is available, prevention is the best defense. Proper precautions include: washing hands; washing fruits and vegetables; cooking food to temperatures above 62 degrees Celsius; and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and objects.
●Get a measles vaccine
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease that causes high fever, fatigue, aches and a red blotchy rash. There is no medical treatment for measles, so the best protection against it is to receive the measles vaccine.
Vaccination is extremely effective at preventing measles, and people planning to travel overseas should seriously consider getting vaccinated.
However, it is best for children to receive the vaccine as part of a regular immunization schedule. Healthcare providers recommend two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose administred at around 12 to 15 months old and again between ages 4 and 6.