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Seasonal influenza and regular colds are different.
The symptoms of the seasonal influenza are a fever more than 38 degree C, headache, joint pain, muscle pain and sore throat, sneezing and coughing. In severe cases a patient may suffer from bronchitis or pneumonia.
Preventive measures:
These viruses are airborne and become transmissible from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Please take the following measures:
Wash your hands and gargle when you come home.
Avoid crowded places, especially if you are elderly, suffer chronic diseases, are tired or lack sufficient sleep.
Use a surgical mask when you are out.
Maintain sufficient humidity in your room.
Use a humidifier to keep an appropriate humidity of 50% to 60%.
Get plenty of rest to improve your body and immunity strength.
Eat a balanced diet.
Prevent the influenza by getting vaccinated.
Those who are 65 years old or older can get vaccinated at a low cost as a portion of vaccination cost is subsidized by the government.
The influenza vaccination is effective for Hong Kong Influenza A, the H1N1 2009 Type and Type B. Usually, the vaccine becomes effective two weeks after vaccination and the immunity lasts about five months although there may be some exceptions depending on persons. When you get vaccinated, please consult with your doctor.
For your reference, please see the website of the Kyoto Medical Association (Japanese)(External link)
When you contract the flu virus:
Use a flu mask and go to a medical institution quickly.
Get plenty of rest.
Get plenty of fluids such as water, tea, juice or soup.
Avert your face from others and try not to transmit the virus.
Rest up to get well soon for yourself and others.