What Does influenza Mean
The concept of influenza , which derives from the Italian language, can be used as a synonym for the flu or the flu . All three terms refer to the same thing: an infectious and epidemic disease that manifests itself in various ways, although usually including a cold and fever.
Influenza is caused by viruses that belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family . Once an individual is infected, they spread the disease by sneezing, coughing, or even talking, as they inadvertently spread droplets of saliva or nasal secretions with the virus.
The worldwide distribution of influenza follows seasonal patterns, leading to epidemics and pandemics . In temperate climate regions, cases tend to multiply in winter and autumn, when people, due to low temperatures, spend longer in closed places and poorly ventilated environments, favoring infections.
In humans , influenza mainly affects the respiratory tract : the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and, to a lesser extent, the lungs. In certain cases, it can even reach the brain or heart. Usually the disease remits spontaneously after a few days, although it can generate complications that aggravate the condition.
Those who have influenza suffer a general malaise with headaches, muscle, joint and stomach. Cough and fever are also common. Treatment is usually based on rest and on the provision of drugs that combat symptoms (such as analgesics and antipyretics). Antibiotics are not effective since the disorder is caused by a virus and not by bacteria .
It should be noted that, to prevent influenza or flu, there are vaccines that are given to those who are in risk groups: subjects who, due to certain factors, can suffer serious complications if they contract the disease .
While the effectiveness of certain clinical treatments cannot be denied , it is not necessary to go to a doctor's office to be cured of a case of influenza. At home we can prepare different recipes that are beneficial to our health as well as include certain foods in our daily meals to prevent and combat this disease.
Among the most effective foods against influenza are ginger and lemon, which are often consumed together as they form an unbeatable team against flu and cold, among other health problems . With regard to ginger, it is a natural antibiotic that has little competition; In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties stand out, which also make it suitable for any respiratory disorder.
Lemon, meanwhile, is a well-known source of vitamin C, but it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As if this were not enough, it is a fruit that enhances the immune system. Those people who do not tolerate the acrimony of these two foods or the typical itching that ginger causes if taken directly, can use a sweet product, such as cane honey, to soften it in an infusion.
As mentioned in a previous paragraph, one of the most common symptoms of influenza is a cough. Without a doubt, it is also one of the most annoying, since it makes speech difficult and also damages the airways. An ideal food to combat it is the onion, which has been used for centuries to treat a large number of diseases, such as the cold.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, we can benefit from its consumption to reduce mucus and cough. Lemon and cane honey are two perfect complements to onion, with which we can prepare an effective infusion . However, lovers of fresh vegetables are the ones who obtain the best results, since the raw onion offers a faster action.