Difference between Influenza (flu) and Common Cold
Since 2020, Malaysia has been fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic but has also experienced many cases of seasonal influenza. According to data released by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, in February 2022, the number of influenza cases in Malaysia increased by 5.5%, reaching 7,817 cases. In addition, there were 25,181 cases of influenza reported in 2021, of which 3,734 required hospitalization, resulting in 97 deaths. This shows that influenza poses a significant threat to the health and lives of Malaysians, making prevention particularly important.
However, many people confuse influenza with the common cold, missing the golden time for treatment and leading to complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. What is the difference between influenza and the common cold?
Influenza and Cold
Both influenza and the common cold are respiratory diseases commonly encountered in our daily lives. The common cold is a common upper respiratory tract infection caused by various viruses, which is usually accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, and sore throat. Influenza, on the other hand, is a disease caused by the influenza virus (type A-D), which spreads through droplets and is more severe than the common cold, including symptoms such as high fever, headache, and muscle pain. In addition, influenza spreads faster and is more likely to cause an epidemic.
Relationship between Immunity and Influenza
Do you know the relationship between immunity and influenza? The immune system is responsible for identifying and fighting off invading pathogens like viruses. A strong immune system can help protect against the flu and reduce the severity of the illness if a person does become infected. Therefore, in the high season of influenza, we need to maintain good immunity to prevent the occurrence of diseases.
Drinking milk reduces the incidence of the common cold and influenza.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking milk can reduce the incidence of common colds and influenza. The vitamins A, B2, B12, and D in milk can help enhance the immune system. Moreover, milk is also an important source of high-quality protein and calcium, which can help strengthen the body's ability to resist viruses. However, some people believe that drinking milk can cause obesity and other health problems, which is actually wrong. In fact, scientific research has shown that drinking moderate amounts of milk can help reduce weight and has benefits for heart health, bone health, and other aspects.
Milk Intake in Malaysia
As a food paradise with many dietary cultures, Malaysia does not have a high level of affection for milk. It might be because the price is relatively high, and many people believe that drinking milk is not cost-effective. In addition, some people have lactose intolerance and cannot digest dairy products has altered these groups of people to other drinks.
However, with the increasing awareness of health, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to the impact of diet on health. A study by the Malaysian Nutrition Society showed that in the past 10 years, Malaysians have become more aware of the nutritional value of milk and have gradually increased their milk intake. As a result, the incidence of osteoporosis and other related diseases has also decreased. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and strengthen the immune system to prevent influenza and other diseases.
Prevention tips for getting influenza.
What can we do in preventing influenza? Here are some tips for maintaining good health:
1. Personal hygiene: washing hands frequently can prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
2. Healthy diet: eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can provide the nutrients the body needs. You can also add Stolle ImmunNuPlus to your daily diet to maintain a balanced immune system.
3. Sleep: getting enough sleep can help the body repair and recover, as well as improve the immune system's function.
4. Vaccination: influenza vaccine can help prevent influenza, and it is recommended to receive it once a year.
In summary, the relationship between immunity and influenza is closely related. Drinking milk can provide the necessary nutrients for the body, especially high-quality protein, vitamins, and whey protein. You can also choose immune milk such as Stolle ImmNuPlus which is rich in immune nutrients to help balance the body's immune system, thus preventing influenza and other diseases.
