Flu: how to protect yourself effectively?

Autumn regularly brings with it a wave of respiratory illnesses – such as influenza, colds and other viruses. Influenza is often underestimated and confused with the common cold. However, its course is unpredictable – it can lead to complications, hospitalization and even death. According to estimates, up to 2,000 people in the Czech Republic succumb to it every year.

Flu or cold:

Influenza is an acute, highly contagious respiratory illness caused by RNA viruses. It begins suddenly and usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Fatigue and weakness may persist for longer.

The common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. The onset is gradual and is mainly manifested by a runny nose, sore throat, and possibly fever. It usually resolves within a few days to 1 week.

Flu is transmitted through droplets (when coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose). The virus can also spread indirectly – by sticking to objects (when in contact with a sick person).

Typical symptoms include:

• elevated temperature or fever,
• muscle and joint pain,
• severe fatigue and general weakness,
• headache etc.

It occurs seasonally, in epidemic waves, especially during the winter months. It affects all age groups, with severity and clinical course being highly variable.

Vaccination is the most reliable form of prevention. It is recommended especially for elderly patients (over 65 years of age), chronically ill patients, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women (and women planning to become pregnant), obese patients, smokers, healthcare workers and people in frequent contact with risk groups. The vaccine becomes effective approximately 2 weeks after administration. For this reason, it is optimal to get vaccinated in early autumn before the start of the flu season.

The influenza virus is constantly changing, and the composition of the vaccine is therefore adjusted every year according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

You can pick up the flu vaccine at VFN pharmacies.

Vaccination can be supplemented with measures that reduce the risk of infection and support the body's defenses.

Other methods of prevention:

• healthy lifestyle (varied balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, regular exercise, hardening, optimal sleep pattern),
• hygiene (frequent hand washing, limiting movement in crowded spaces – public transport and shopping centres, avoiding sharing personal belongings, regular ventilation),
• vitamins and dietary supplements (make sure you get enough vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc; you can supplement with beta-glucans, preparations with oyster mushrooms or echinacea).

Freely available according to the web portal of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacists for the public Pharmacist Drops, 29. 10. 2026