Climate change, and the use of summer air conditioners, is an ideal and convenient environment for the spread of some viruses that cause seasonal infectious diseases, such as colds, flu and other diseases. Therefore, caution should always be taken and appropriate steps should be taken to protect adults and children from these infectious diseases that are threatening health.

Here is a presentation of the top five simple tips to help prevent one of the most common diseases, the disease «flu», provided by the specialist in general medicine at Dubai Bone and Joint Center, Dr. Montaser Yusuf.

1. Distinguish between flu and cold

The exact distinction between common cold and flu is an initial step in preventing these common diseases, but sometimes it may seem difficult for some individuals, given the similarity between the symptoms of the disease and their spread in the same ways and at the same time of the year. So when you feel sick, you have to rush to the doctor and follow the appropriate treatments.

2. Suitable vaccines

Receiving the vaccine is the first and best step to prevent influenza, after the vaccine has shown its effectiveness in reducing the risk of infection, the possibility of hospitalization or even the risk of death in children.

In contrast, the vaccine can not be given to infants and newborns up to the age of six months, making them more at risk of contracting influenza complications. Therefore, health care providers must ensure that they receive the vaccine and should receive every year other health care providers, The same applies to family members as well, and all those who are in contact with an infant over the age of six months.

3. Special care for children and the elderly

Children under the age of five, especially children aged 2 years or younger, should be stressed because their immune system has not fully developed yet, and their flu infection may lead to permanent complications. Elderly people aged 65 years or older are also more likely than others to have complications. Viral infections are exacerbated by their bodies, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as bacterial pneumonia. Or that the flu may exacerbate diseases such as heart disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

4 - Stay away during pregnancy

Pregnant women or women who have not been born more than two weeks should be cautious about exposure to influenza. Some evidence suggests that pregnant women are more likely to develop complications, especially during advanced pregnancies. Bronchitis is one of the most common complications, an infection of the respiratory tract, and may develop into more serious pneumonia.

5. Daily prevention

It is always preferable to stay away from individuals with colds or flu to avoid transmission. If you have the disease, avoid contact with the environment, especially children. It is also recommended to cover the mouth and nose using napkins when sneezing or cough, in addition to keeping hands washing constantly and well to get rid of viruses and bacteria. If you can not wash your hands, you can use a sterile hand sanitizer, and you should consider cleaning the surfaces and tools that are used, and not touch the eyes or nose and mouth to avoid the transmission of viruses.