Want a Flu-Free Body? Get Vaccinated Regularly

Dream - Influenza is one of the easily contagious viruses because it can spread through droplets and aerosols. You may have experienced flu symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and body aches.

In some people, flu symptoms can improve on their own. While others may experience severe symptoms when infected with the flu. Usually, those who have underlying diseases (comorbidities) or have a weakened immune system.

Some even need to be hospitalized due to complications. Actually, flu can be prevented through vaccination. Prof.Dr.dr. Samsuridjal Djauzi, SpPD, K-AI, FINASIM, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Influenza Foundation and Immunization Expert from PAPDI at the Press Conference on the Consensus Guidelines for Influenza Vaccination in Diabetic Patients on Thursday, August 24, 2023, stated that besides the high number of cases, influenza treatment also incurs significant costs.

In 2011, Indonesia spent 831 billion rupiahs for outpatient care and 540 billion rupiahs for inpatient care. Thus, the total cost related to health reached 1,396 billion rupiahs.

"This amount does not include indirect costs such as loss of productivity, transportation, disease management, and significantly increased influenza-related costs in Indonesia," said Prof.Dr.dr.Samsuridjal Djauzi.

Vaccination

To prevent influenza, there is one very effective step, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is vaccination. The price of this vaccine is quite affordable, ranging from Rp200,000 to Rp300,000, and it can protect against influenza viruses for one year.

For those who have comorbidities such as diabetes, this vaccine is highly recommended. This is a preventive measure against complications.

"The number of diabetes complications in diabetes patients increases after exposure to the influenza virus, as well as the cost burden. Therefore, influenza vaccination is a recommended preventive measure, especially for chronic diseases such as diabetes," said Dr. dr. Sukamto Koesnoe, SpPD, K-AI, FINASIM, at the same occasion.

Report by Marha Adani Putri

6 Tips from an ENT Doctor to Prevent Children from Easily Coughing during Poor Air Quality

Dream - Over the past week, the air pollution in Jakarta and its surrounding areas has been in an unhealthy condition. According to data from iQair, an air quality technology company, the air pollution level in Jakarta reached 158 AQ US, with a high concentration of PM2.5 pollutants, which means it is unhealthy.

This makes children more vulnerable to respiratory problems. Complaints of coughing, runny nose, shortness of breath, and fever are more common than usual. Muslim Kasim, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, warned parents.

"Poor air quality lately, especially in Jakarta and its surrounding areas (which often become the worst air quality champion in the world), is the cause of high cases of respiratory tract diseases in children," he said on Instagram @dr.muslimkasim.

To maintain children's health condition and prevent health problems during very poor air quality, there are several important things that can be done. Doctor Muslim provides 6 important steps.

1. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities

"Air quality changes constantly. It is advisable to avoid outdoor activities, especially when the air quality is poor," he said.

2. Wear a mask
"When children need to go outside, don't forget to wear a mask," he advised.

Medical or non-medical masks can provide benefits if used correctly. In conditions of extremely poor air quality, it is highly recommended to use n95, kn95, or kf94 masks.

3. Air purifier
An air purifier can help improve indoor air quality. Place it in the child's room or family room where the child usually spends most of their time.

4. Complete immunization
This is to ensure that the child's immunity is optimally protected. Make sure the child's immunization is complete to prevent infectious diseases.

5. Meet nutritional needs
Parents must provide the child with complete nutrition, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Adequate nutrition will strengthen the child's immune system, making them less prone to illness.

6. Rinse the nose with Nacl 0.9%
Studies show that nasal rinsing significantly reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections in children. The solution and equipment can be purchased at a pharmacy.