Influenza 2013: three viruses on the way. Self-medication yes, but responsible

Experts recommend prevention and rational use of drugs.

According to Assosalute research, too many Italians still take seasonal illnesses lightly. Experts recommend prevention and rational use of drugs.

It is a well-assorted trio of flu viruses, the one that is going to hit us. They are called: AVictoria H3N2, the most aggressive, ACalifornia H1N1 and BMassachussetts.

Unlike previous years, however, they should not create too much damage: according to experts, the number of Italians affected by the flu will be lower than last year.

Forecasts aside, how are citizens preparing? Assosalute, the National Association of Self-medication Drugs, which conducted a survey to understand what their relationship with the flu is and presented the results at a press conference.

Three different ways of perceiving winter sickness

Three categories have emerged: the “rational”, the “anxious” and the “quiet”. Four out of seven Italians belong to the group of rationals: to treat the flu they rely mainly on over-the-counter drugs (54%), but also on their grandmother’s old remedies (39%) or try to look at themselves more by staying at home. For this category, the doctor (49%) and the pharmacist (31%) are the main contacts to ask questions or concerns.

The “anxious” (17%) are mostly women between 35 and 44 years old who, in order not to stop in the face of the flu, look for solutions on the internet or even resort to antibiotics (35%) without consulting their doctor.

Finally, the quiet (40%) are those who wait, the waiters: they do practically nothing, leaving the influence to take its course. They are mostly men.

And you know everything about the flu? Check it out with this quiz.

Self-medication, the pillar of treatments

According to Fabrizio Pregliasco, infectious disease specialist at the University of Milan who spoke at the press conference, “for the vast majority of cases, self-medication drugs are the main pillar of the treatment of influenza and parainfluenza syndromes”.

As long as it is responsible: “You should use these drugs to alleviate the symptoms, follow the progress of the disease and consult your doctor if things do not improve after 4-5 days”.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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