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What is influenza and how does it affect you? Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a widespread respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It typically brings on symptoms like fever, body and headaches, coughing, and nasal congestion or a runny nose. While many people recover at home, those with pre-existing health conditions or individuals who are pregnant face a higher risk of serious complications. The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. What’s the difference between the flu and a cold? Even though the flu and the common cold share some similar symptoms—like coughing and a runny nose—there are key differences. Cold symptoms are usually mild and develop gradually, while flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and are more intense. Another important difference is that they’re caused by different viruses, so they’re not the same illness. How can you tell if it’s the flu or COVID-19? Since the flu and COVID-19 often look alike symptom-wise, the only reliable way to know which one you have is by getting tested. Both viruses can cause serious illness and spread easily, but they come from different virus families and require different treatments. That’s why proper testing is important before starting any medication or care plan. What are the common symptoms of the flu? Flu symptoms tend to show up quickly and can vary from person to person. Common signs include: •Fever •Chills •Body aches •Cough •Headache •Sore throat •Runny or stuffy nose •Tiredness or feeling run down •Diarrhea or vomiting (usually in children) It’s important to note that not everyone will have every symptom, but having several at once is typical. Is the flu contagious and how does it spread? Yes, the flu spreads easily from person to person. An infected individual typically passes it on to one or two others. The virus travels in droplets that come out when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in someone else’s mouth or nose, or be inhaled directly into the lungs. The flu can also spread through touch—like shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs, or desks—and then touching your face, nose, eyes, or mouth. How can you manage flu symptoms at home? Most people can treat flu symptoms at home using simple self-care methods and over-the-counter products. It’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water or broths. Heat packs or warm baths can help soothe aching muscles. To manage fever and aches, you can take pain relievers and fever reducers. Nasal decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose, while cough remedies can reduce coughing and help you feel more comfortable. If you’re dealing with mucus in your lungs, expectorants can help clear it out. However, not all treatments are suitable for everyone, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using any remedies or combining treatments. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, it’s essential to see a therapist promptly to avoid complications. For professional care and guidance, consider visiting Dalimed Medical Center, where experienced specialists can help ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

The thyroid gland produces hormones: thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin. These hormones regulate the body's metabolism, the function of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, respiration, body temperature, body mass, hair and nail growth, regular bowel function, and human mental ability. Hypothyroidism is a disease in which thyroid hormones are produced less than normal. When the thyroid gland produces less hormone and transports it through the blood to the cells, metabolism slows down. Hypothyroidism is manifested by the following symptoms: •fatigue •weight gain •depression •dry skin •hair loss •swelling in the upper, lower extremities or face •memory impairment •concentration impairment •headache •loss of appetite •cold feeling •decreased performance •palpitations •sleep disorders •menstrual cycle disorders in women •constipation The cause of hypothyroidism can be iodine deficiency or autoimmune thyroiditis. There are 2 main forms of hypothyroidism: 1.Congenital, which is diagnosed immediately after the birth of a child. 2.Acquired, which can be associated with a direct lesion of the thyroid gland, or with a dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus located in the brain. In connection with this problem, primary or secondary hypothyroidism is distinguished. Hypothyroidism may not be detected for a long time, as it develops slowly and with unclear symptoms. For diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a blood test for thyroid hormones, specific antibodies, ultrasound examination, scintigram. Treatment of hypothyroidism: replacement therapy, i.e. taking thyroid hormones. The diet should be rich in iodine, vitamins and microelements. Armenia is considered an iodine-deficient region, as a result of which it is necessary to regularly consult an endocrinologist and monitor the amount of iodine in the body.

In the case of a myocardial infarction, one or all of the following symptoms appear: •Burning, pressing pain in the posterior sternum, radiating pain to the neck, lower jaw, left shoulder girdle, left arm, and sometimes the right arm. •Feeling of shortness of breath, shortness of breath, shortness of breath. •Dizziness, fainting episodes •Nausea •Profuse sweating Usually the pain is paroxysmal, intermittent. There are many cases when warning symptoms appear hours, days, and even weeks before a heart attack. Therefore, it is important to recognize such symptoms, especially if you have problems with the cardiovascular system. Heart failure is characterized by a condition when the heart is unable to provide blood circulation in accordance with the body's needs. Signs and symptoms of heart failure typically include: •shortness of breath •fatigue •swelling of the legs Shortness of breath is usually worse with physical activity, when lying down, and may wake a person up at night. Limited physical activity is also a common symptom. Chest pain, including chest tightness, is not usually caused by heart failure. Common causes include ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, alcohol abuse, various infections, and cardiomyopathy. These lead to heart failure by altering the structure or function of the heart.The most common symptoms that indicate problems with the cardiovascular system are •Any type of chest pain •Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, feeling of lack of air •Deterioration of the heart rhythm •Accelerated or very slow heartbeat •Periodic increases in blood pressure above 130/80 and decreases below 90/60 •Swelling of the legs. Timely consultation with a doctor plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of heart diseases. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can save lives. For this purpose, the best choice is Dalimed Medical Center, with its highly qualified specialists and the latest equipment.

Ferritin is known as an iron storage protein. It is mainly found in the liver, spleen, muscles, bone marrow, and only a small amount is found in the blood. The main functions of ferritin are: 1.Storage of iron in its bioavailable form. 2.Protection of cells from the toxic effects of iron. The amount of ferritin in the blood serum indicates the iron reserves in the body. Ferritin is a sensitive means of detecting iron deficiency at an early stage. A decrease in ferritin levels is observed in the following conditions: •iron deficiency anemia •blood loss •iron absorption disorders •transferrin deficiency •as a result of increased ferritin demand (for example, pregnancy). Symptoms of low ferritin levels include: •weakness, fatigue •dizziness, headaches •pale skin •difficulty breathing •rapid heartbeat •burning or sore tongue •craving for non-food items such as ice, chalk, or dirt •ringing in the ears •leg pain •brittle nails •hair loss An increase in ferritin levels is observed in the following conditions: •hemochromatosis •hemolytic anemia •sideroblastic anemia •multiple blood transfusions Other causes of high ferritin levels include infections, acute or chronic inflammation, malignancies, alcoholic or viral hepatitis, liver disease, and chronic renal failure. Symptoms of high ferritin levels include: •weakness, fatigue •joint pain, especially in the knees and hands •abdominal pain •chest pain •skin with a gray, metallic, or bronze tint •body hair loss •low libido or erectile dysfunction •unexplained weight loss •mood swings, depression, or anxiety Patient Preparation Do not take multivitamins or supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins, for 12 hours prior to the test. Sample: Venous blood.Response Time: Same Day.Measuring your blood ferritin is an important step in assessing your health and identifying potential problems early. Choose Dalimed Medical Center for accurate and fast testing.