Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a pandemic flu and a seasonal flu infection? Well, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are some stark differences between seasonal flu infections, which commonly occur during the winter months and rare pandemic flu infections like the coronavirus Covid-19.
The big difference between these infections is that your immunity to pandemic flu is much lower compared to seasonal cold and flu infections. The reason is that over time your body builds immunity to seasonal flu infections simply because they occur more often.
But, unfortunately, pandemic flu infections like the coronavirus occur much less frequently which makes it harder to build immunity. Scientists estimate that pandemic flu infections occur only about three times a century or every 100 years. It’s for this reason that so many people have contracted Covid-19 and the virus spread rapidly across the world.
Both pandemic and seasonal flu viruses travel through the air and can spread by coughing and sneezing. People can contract infections easily by touching contaminated surfaces such as water fountains, lunch trays, and door handles and even when changing diapers.
Medically both kinds of infections share similar symptoms, can cause serious complications and even become lethal. And while people with chronic medical conditions, autoimmune diseases, infants, the elderly, and pregnant women are already at higher risk of contracting all kinds of (pandemic and seasonal) infections, what makes pandemic flu unique is that healthy people are at a higher risk of serious complications too.
Here’s more information about the difference between pandemic flu and seasonal flu from the CDC.
Infographic: Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control
Why Proper Hydration Is Essential During Cold & Flu Season
Staying well hydrated helps the body better defend itself against harmful germs and fend off illnesses. Proper hydration is critical for a proper immune system function. Water and electrolytes help the body flush out harmful toxins, absorb nutrients more efficiently, and promote appropriate cellular function.
Your skin and mucosal membranes are the first line of defense against harmful viruses and infections. Proper hydration helps your skin and mucous membrane cells keep harmful bacteria from entering your body and respiratory tract. Mucosal membranes found inside your nose, throat and other parts of the body serve as barriers to entry and prevent bacteria from entering your body. Water and electrolytes are essential ingredients that help repair these membranes when they break. Dry or a lack of water and electrolytes is one of main reasons why these membranes can break. When these membranes are dry or dry out, they cannot repair breakages and create the barrier necessary to keep out harmful bacteria. That’s why it’s essential to keep your nose and throat moist and hydrated throughout the day.
Water Alone Isn’t Enough, Getting the “Right” Balance of Water & Electrolytes Is
Drinking water alone isn’t the most effective weapon against dehydration because “proper hydration” is not about how much water you drink. Instead, it’s about how much water your body absorbs.And electrolytes play a crucial role in how your body absorbs water and nutrients. Electrolytes, sodium and potassium play essential roles in absorption and balancing water levels in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids.
They perform critical roles by helping your cells absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. Electrolytes’ primary function is to balance the amount of water available in your body’s cells and they are contained in fluids throughout the body. They are chemicals that get their name because when they dissolve in water and produce charged ions. These ions enable the flow of electrical signals through the body.
When your body becomes depleted of essential electrolytes, your cells and organs are unable to function properly. That’s why drinking water alone isn’t the only weapon against fighting symptoms of dehydration. Your body often needs a balance of both water and electrolytes throughout the day to be “properly hydrated.”
You may need to increase the amount of electrolytes you consume, especially if you suffer from symptoms such as:
- Dry Eyes
- Dry Mouth, Throat & Esophagus
- Dry Nose
- Dry Skin
- Vaginal Dryness
- Cramps
- Headaches
- Joint Pain
- Sore Muscles & Aches
- Poor Sleep
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
Hydrus is formulated to deliver the electrolytes your body needs more effectively than drinking water alone.
Unlike other hydration products, Hydrus contains Nanosomes™ or tiny nano-scale hollow sphere-shaped molecules made of phospholipids that encapsulate electrolytes and water. The phospholipids are similar to those naturally found in your cells’ membranes.
Compared to other hydration drinks, studies show that the science in Hydrus delivers about 50% greater water and electrolyte absorption than traditional sugar-electrolyte drinks.
