Healthy Living Through Handwashing and Vaccination
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Seasonal influenza and epidemic conjunctivitis (eye infections) are currently spreading. These illnesses share a common feature: both are transmitted by viruses and can easily infect others. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms and prevention methods for these winter illnesses.
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▣ Symptoms and Treatment of Influenza
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Influenza (the flu) is highly contagious and tends to spread widely in the winter, mainly affecting the nose and throat.
It can spread easily through sneezing, coughing, or even direct contact with others.
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The number of flu cases varies from year to year, but when viral mutations spread globally, influenza can become extremely severe, sometimes leading to millions of deaths.
Flu symptoms usually appear within 24–48 hours after infection.
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It is often mistaken for a common cold, but influenza symptoms are usually much more severe. Early signs include fever, chills, heavy sweating, and muscle aches.
Patients often feel extremely weak and may experience sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
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Even after the acute flu symptoms fade, fatigue and depression may linger. The most common complications include bacterial infections of the airways (acute bronchitis) and lung infections (pneumonia). For infants, the elderly, patients with chronic heart or lung disease, those with weakened immune systems (such as HIV/AIDS), and people with diabetes, influenza can be life-threatening.
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Most healthy individuals recover with rest, plenty of fluids, and fever-reducing care. Pain relievers or cold medicine can help ease muscle pain and other symptoms. However, if breathing difficulties occur or symptoms persist for more than two days, immediate medical attention is necessary.
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High-risk individuals should seek medical care as soon as flu symptoms appear.
In most cases without complications, symptoms subside within 6–7 days. However, cough may last for over two weeks, and fatigue or depression may linger even longer. For high-risk patients, complications can pose a serious threat to life.
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Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
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People at high risk—except infants under six months—such as healthcare workers or caregivers for the elderly, should receive annual flu shots.
Vaccination prevents infection in about two-thirds of recipients, though it is not 100% effective because flu viruses mutate each year. This is why the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccination each autumn against the strains predicted to circulate in specific regions.
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▣ Symptoms and Prevention of Epidemic Conjunctivitis (Eye Infection)
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In some regions, the number of eye infection cases has surged, requiring extra caution.
Epidemic conjunctivitis is caused by an adenovirus. Once contracted, the symptoms are severe and the infection is highly contagious.
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It usually affects both eyes and causes discomfort for about two weeks. Since the virus spreads through direct and indirect contact, proper handwashing is critical.
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Typical symptoms include eye redness, pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and subconjunctival hemorrhage, which may last for 3–4 weeks. The infection remains contagious for up to two weeks.
There is no specific antiviral treatment. Patients should seek professional care, and if needed, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops to relieve symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections.
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Prevention tips:
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Wash your hands often with soap and running water.
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Do not share personal items such as towels or cups.
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Avoid crowded places during outbreaks.
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Refrain from swimming pool use.
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If you experience swelling, redness, or a foreign-body sensation in the eye, do not rub or touch your eyes; instead, visit an eye specialist immediately.
Patients should undergo treatment not only to relieve symptoms but also to prevent secondary infections and complications.
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Personal items should be disinfected by boiling or soaking for 10 minutes in diluted sodium hypochlorite solution.
Avoid touching your eyes, and always wash your hands with running water before and after touching your face. During the contagious period (about two weeks), patients should avoid daycare centers, kindergartens, schools, and crowded places.
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▣ Prevention Rules for Eye Infections
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Wash hands frequently with soap and running water.
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Avoid touching your face, especially around the eyes.
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Do not share towels or personal items with others.
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If you experience swelling, redness, or a foreign-body sensation, avoid rubbing your eyes and seek professional care.
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Patients with eye conditions should receive prompt treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent infection.
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▣ The 6 Steps of Proper Handwashing
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The six-step method of rubbing soapy hands is the most common and effective handwashing technique.
The process should last around 15–30 seconds. For children, humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing can help ensure thorough cleaning.
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After washing, it’s best to dry your hands with a paper towel and then use the same paper towel to turn off the faucet for proper hygiene.
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