News

Protect yourself against influenza

Time: 05.11.

Soon it will be the time of year when influenza starts to afflict the workplace. During a normal epidemic nearly every tenth adult is affected. Typical influenza symptoms are sudden fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and sore throat. Other symptoms, such as muscular pain and headache, may also appear. Compared to a common cold, the symptoms are notably more severe.

When symptoms are present, you should stay at home. Usually it is enough to treat the influenza by resting at home, taking plenty of fluids and using pain medication to alleviate the symptoms. The occupational health nurse can provide you by phone with additional information about home care, if needed. If no complications appear, the influenza is usually cured in less than two weeks.

Fortunately, the risk of falling ill can be reduced by taking a vaccine. Since the influenza viruses are different each year, the seasonal influenza vaccine must be re-administered every autumn. The vaccine protects against three types of influenza virus, one of which is the so-called swine influenza strain. As a result, this autumn’s seasonal influenza vaccine also offers protection against illness caused by the global swine influenza virus. In addition, this vaccine is expected to boost the protection created by an earlier influenza vaccine. If necessary, the occupational health nurse can give you more information on the suitability and possible side effects of the vaccine.

The protection against influenza given by the vaccine works best for the working-age population (effect is usually 70-90%). Even if you get influenza, the symptoms are usually milder for those who are vaccinated. As before, the influenza vaccine is recommended as part of the general vaccination programme for any patients in risk groups based on their health status. Basic illnesses, the treatment of which includes the annual influenza vaccination, are chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases and diabetes, among others.   

The best way to protect yourself from influenza, and from many other contagious diseases, is to wash your hands regularly. Transmitting the disease to others can be prevented by coughing away from other people into a disposable handkerchief or into your sleeve. If you cough into your hands by accident, you should wash then immediately. Hands should be washed carefully with warm water and soap whenever coming in from outdoors, after going to the toilet and before meals. Touching your face with your bare hands should also be avoided. Naturally, any interaction with anyone who has influenza should be restricted.

Kari-Pekka Martimo
Head of OHS Development