Egypt posts record EGP629b primary surplus in 2024/25    EGP swings vs. USD in early Sunday trade    EGX launches 1st phone app    Egypt achieves record primary budget surplus of EGP 629bn despite sharp fall in Suez Canal revenues    Escalation in Gaza, West Bank as Israeli strikes continue amid mounting international criticism    Egypt recovers collection of ancient artefacts from Netherlands    Resumption of production at El Nasr marks strategic step towards localising automotive industry: El-Shimy    Egypt harvests 315,000 cubic metres of rainwater in Sinai as part of flash flood protection measures    Egypt, UNDP discuss outcomes of joint projects, future environmental cooperation    United Bank achieves EGP 1.51bn net profit in H1 2025, up 26.9% year-on-year    After Putin summit, Trump says peace deal is best way to end Ukraine war    Egypt, Namibia explore closer pharmaceutical cooperation    Jordan condemns Israeli PM remarks on 'Greater Israel'    Renowned Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim dies at 88    Egypt's FM discusses Gaza, bilateral ties in calls with Saudi, South African counterparts    Egypt prepares to tackle seasonal air pollution in Nile Delta    Al-Sisi says any party thinking Egypt will neglect water rights is 'completely mistaken'    Egyptian, Ugandan Presidents open business forum to boost trade    Egypt's Sisi, Uganda's Museveni discuss boosting ties    Egypt's Sisi warns against unilateral Nile measures, reaffirms Egypt's water security stance    Egypt, Colombia discuss medical support for Palestinians injured in Gaza    Egypt, Huawei explore healthcare digital transformation cooperation    Egypt's Sisi, Sudan's Idris discuss strategic ties, stability    Egypt's govt. issues licensing controls for used cooking oil activities    Egypt to inaugurate Grand Egyptian Museum on 1 November    Egypt's Sisi: Egypt is gateway for aid to Gaza, not displacement    Greco-Roman rock-cut tombs unearthed in Egypt's Aswan    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Q&A with Dr Bassiouny: How to beat seasonal flu
Published in Almasry Alyoum on 06 - 04 - 2011

Seasonal flu is a widespread global phenomenon, usually associated with the cold winter months. However, in Egypt, a number of factors increase the chances of catching the influenza virus during the spring, when the Khamasin wind carries dust mites and microscopic bugs that put an additional strain on the human respiratory system. Those suffering from chronic health problems or with an impaired immune system are particularly susceptible to infection. Influenza causes coughing, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain and tiredness. Dr. Ahmed Bassiouny, professor of otolaryngology, provides some useful advice on how to stave off seasonal flu as the Khamasin looms.
Al-Masry Al-Youm: Who is most vulnerable to seasonal influenza?
Dr. Bassiouny: Those with a genetic susceptibility to seasonal influenza are the most vulnerable during this period. Generally, influenza is easily transmitted from one person to another through direct or indirect contact, so you can find a whole family suffering from it.
Al-Masry: Is there a specific age bracket that is more susceptible?
Dr. Bassiouny: People in all age groups can be infected by seasonal flu. However, the elderly are more susceptible to flu, especially those who suffer from the common aging diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and cancer. Children are also prone to infection, as their immune systems are still developing. Viruses can quickly spread between students in schools. So if you notice any symptoms of flu virus in your child, it is better to keep them at home until they recover, or else the condition might worsen.
Al-Masry: How can one avoid being infected in the first place?
Dr. Bassiouny: If you already suffer from chronic sinus problems or serious medical complications, you have to avoid going out frequently during Khamasin, because it carries large quantities of dust and sand that can increase respiratory allergy. Avoid staying in closed areas with air-conditioning for long periods, particularly together with lots of other people. Good ventilation is essential for staying healthy, so you have to change air-conditioning filters on a regular basis to get rid of the airborne bacteria.
Al-Masry: What are the best remedies for influenza?
Dr. Bassiouny: At the early stage of influenza, take vitamins, have a good rest at home and wait until the virus runs its course. It is recommended to take antipyretic (fever-reducing) medications or common allergy medications if your condition gets worse. Never take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
Eat fruits that are rich sources of vitamin C, such lemons, oranges and grapefruits, throughout the year, and especially in March, April and May, to boost your immunity. Vitamin C prevents the acute complications of influenza and so shortens the duration of infection.
Al-Masry: Is the seasonal flu vaccine important?
Dr. Bassiouny: I am against seasonal flu vaccine because there are many kinds of influenza. So it isn't easy to determine which kind is most likely to attack your body. You just need to keep your immune system strong through eating more fruits, vegetables and proteins. Drink more water, sleep from six to eight hours daily and exercise regularly to strengthen your body against disease in general, not only influenza.


Clic here to read the story from its source.