Does wearing a mask help prevent the flu?

Reader Nhu, 24 years old, female, Dong Nai : I've heard a lot about seasonal flu recently. How is this disease different from the common flu? How can I recognize seasonal flu? Does wearing a mask help prevent seasonal flu? Thank you, doctor.

Dr. Huynh Thi Mai Ly - Respiratory Physician - South Saigon International General Hospital:

Hello Nhu,

Thank you for sending your question to the doctor. The changing of seasons along with air pollution caused by fine dust increases the risk of seasonal flu, becoming a major concern for everyone. Below is information to help you recognize seasonal flu, thereby having specific measures to prevent the disease.

Difference between seasonal flu and cold

The nature of these two diseases is different in terms of cause and disease mechanism. Symptoms of influenza start suddenly and are often more severe than the common cold. It can even lead to death, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying diseases.

Some typical signs of flu:

High fever 38-40°C, chills
Body aches, extreme fatigue
Sore throat, dry cough, which may get worse
Stuffy nose, runny nose, headache
Loss of appetite, nausea, sometimes diarrhea

If you only have symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or mild sore throat, it is likely just a cold and will go away on its own. People with the flu can also recover on their own, but some severe cases can lead to acute respiratory failure due to severe pneumonia, which is life-threatening. If the patient has a high fever lasting 2-3 days, body aches, severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion or persistent vomiting, they should quickly go to a medical facility with a respiratory specialist for timely examination and treatment.

Does wearing a mask help prevent seasonal flu?

Face masks are a useful protective measure, helping to block droplets from people with seasonal flu when they cough, sneeze or talk. However, they are only an external layer of protection and should be combined with other preventive measures such as:

Use a cloth, handkerchief, disposable tissue or your sleeve to cover your cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Do not spit in public.
Avoid close contact with people who have the flu or are suspected of being infected with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and high fever.
Get a seasonal flu vaccine every year.
Maintain a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to prevent influenza viruses.
Regular physical exercise to improve health and resistance.

Note: When you have symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, headache, fatigue, do not arbitrarily test or buy medicine to treat yourself at home, but need to visit a reputable medical facility for timely treatment.

Readers who need advice on health and disease prevention, do not hesitate to send questions to the Alo Doctor Consulting Inbox.

HELLO DOCTOR

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/deo-khau-trang-co-giup-ngan-ngua-cum-khong-post790862.html