Flu vaccination doesn't protect against all acute respiratory infections (ARIs), but if a vaccinated person does get sick, the illness will be significantly milder.

This season, the vaccine composition has been fully updated – the WHO recommended including the strains A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09, A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2), and B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025.

It's best to get vaccinated in September–October: it takes the immune system 2–3 weeks to develop protection.

Hand hygiene is simple and effective

Wash your hands with soap.

Don't be lazy.

This remains the primary preventive measure.

After public transport, a store, or the office – use hand sanitizer.

Ventilate and humidify

In enclosed spaces, virus concentration increases.

Ventilate the room every 2–3 hours.

And as the heating season begins, don't forget a humidifier – dry air destroys the natural protection of the mucous membranes.

A healthy lifestyle hasn't been cancelled

Sleep of at least 7–8 hours, balanced diet, plenty of water.

It sounds cliché, but it works.

And yes, a positive attitude is also a factor.

Doctors advise not to forget this.

What to do if you get sick?

First and most importantly: don't self-medicate.

If the fever lasts more than two days, shortness of breath appears, or your condition worsens – call a doctor.

Antiviral drugs are effective in the first 48–72 hours, so don't delay.

And please, stay home.

Don't play hero.

Your "unbroken will" at work could result in a week of sick leave for the entire department.

Conclusion

Autumn is not a time for paranoia, but also not a time for carelessness.

Flu, COVID, and a cold are indeed similar, but their prevention is the same: vaccination, clean hands, fresh air, and healthy sleep.

Don't ignore your body's signals and don't self-diagnose online.

Take care of yourself – and may this autumn pass without fever and sick leave.