We remember to wash our hands regularly
The contamination is mainly airborne (presence of virus in the ambient air) so, in principle, you do not catch the flu by passing a sick passer-by in the street or by touching the neighbour’s coat on the bus. As long as he doesn’t cough or shake your hand. Prof. Van Der Werf reminds us of the rules to protect oneself: “ Wash one’s hands several times a day, especially after having been in a meeting at work, in transport, in stores… Use hydroalcoholic gels when you cannot wash yourself with soap and water. When you are going to cough, put a handkerchief in front of your mouth to throw in a closed garbage can (ditto after blowing your nose), and ventilate every day at home. “
If the flu has struck, use a mask so as not to infect others. “We can easily find a light surgical model, but the most effective has a duckbill shape,” says Dr Claude Leicher. And we stay at home as much as possible!
The best protection is the flu shot
If it does not cover 100%, it still allows it to be well protected, the level of protective antibodies ranging from 60 to 90%. It would be a shame to do without. Especially if you have a chronic condition that weakens the heart or lungs, if you are pregnant, obese or are over 65 years old. In this case, the virus can be dangerous due to its complications. This is why the vaccine is then taken care of. The same goes for children with respiratory, cardiac, renal or immune disease… On the other hand, in France, the vaccine is not recommended for healthy children and babies under 6 months. And for the others, adults in great shape? “It is strongly recommended each year (and reimbursed at 65%). Having had the flu last year or having been vaccinated does not protect against the strains that will be active this winter, ”warns Dr Leicher.
“Normally, people at risk should automatically receive a vaccination voucher,” confirms Dr. Jean-Marie Cohen, director of the Grog network (regional influenza observation groups). But not all of them are listed as such, especially pregnant women. In this case, your general practitioner can issue this voucher so that the vaccination is covered at 100%. “
We strengthen our defenses with complementary medicines
Blocking out germs with good hygiene measures is essential. But nothing prevents from trying to give a little boost to his inner shield, that is to say to strengthen his immune defenses.
– Homeopathy. “We can take Influenzinum 9 CH, one dose per week for a month in the fall, then one dose per month throughout the winter”, recommends Dr. Bernard Chemouny, author of the “Homeopathic Guide” and ” Treat stress with homeopathy and phytotherapy “(ed. Odile Jacob).
– Herbal medicine. It enables effective action in the field. “Take Echinacea as a mother tincture (20 to 30 drops per day for a month) or as a glycerine macerate, without alcohol for children. Or Eleutherococcus, in mother tincture (same dosage) ”, explains Dr Bernard Chemouny.
– The trace elements of copper and zinc, at the rate of one ampoule per day at the beginning of winter (for example at Granions) help prevent infections.
– Dietetics. It is the basis of preventive medicine, so no skipped meals or unstructured menus. It is best to maintain micronutrient stores. At breakfast, we can try to swallow toast of sourdough bread, a dairy or ham, a fresh fruit for vitamins and copper. At noon, we take a little meat or fish + cheese and fruit; and in the evening, starchy foods with vegetables. Enough to avoid energy drops during the day and provide the body with the essentials to fight viruses.
