This is the time of the year when many of us get the common cold or flu. It can be a very miserable time but, fortunately, most of us recover within a few days or weeks without complications.It is important that we take measures to prevent the cold and flu, and do the necessary things to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Common cold and flu
The vast majority of colds and flu are caused by viruses. They tend to be more common this time of the year as more individuals are in close and confined areas which tend to promote the spread of viruses.
The common cold is a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract — your nose and throat. A common cold is usually harmless, although it may not feel that way.Most people recover from a common cold in about a week or two. If symptoms do not improve in a few days, see your doctor.
Influenza, more commonly called the flu, is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is not the same as the stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
Influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:
• Young children
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have chronic illnesses
Your best defense against influenza is to receive an annual vaccination.
Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Common colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a nuisance, you usually feel much worse with the flu. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:
• Fever over 100 F (38 C)
• Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nasal congestion
How do you get the cold or flu?
Viruses that cause the common cold or flutravel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Many viruses that cause the cold and flu are spread by hand contamination – hand getting into contact with your mouth and eyes. Washing your hands with soap often and well are a key way to prevent a cold and the flu.
Get the Right Medications
There are lots of cold and flu remedies to choose from at the drugstore. Be smart about the ones you use.
Many experts say you should avoid combination medications that package lots of drugs in one pill — like a decongestant, cough suppressant, and a painkiller. You could wind up getting a drug for symptoms you do not have. Read labels and choose only the medications that will help.
Avoid antibiotics
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not help. Antibiotics are mainly for bacterial infections. What is more alarming is that using antibiotics when you do not need them increases the risk of breeding dangerous organisms that are resistant to drugs. This can have severe consequences.
If you are Sick, Stay at Home
You might not want to stay home, or your boss really needs you to work and it may not be easy to take a sick day. If you have a cold or flu, you should stay at home until you are well. If you push yourself when you are sick, and work instead of rest, your body may have a harder time fighting off the virus. Your cold could last longer. You could also spread the virus to other people.
So when you are sick, stay home, rest, and recover. It is better for you and everyone around you. Most individuals recover within a few days.
Helpful tips to prevent colds and flu
Hand washing is the most important, but there are other healthy habits that can reduce the spread of viruses. The following might prove helpful:
Cough into the arm. Many of us were told as children to cover our mouths with our hands when we coughed or sneezed. The problem with that old advice is that it results in a handful of germs — which are then spread on everything a kid touches.
Many health experts now recommend that we cough and sneeze into the crook of our arms. That way, the germs are less likely to wind up coating every surface in the room.
Use tissues. It would not always work, especially in young children. If you have the cold or flu always keep a box of tissues with you. Remember after using tissues discard them in a safe place to avoid contaminating others.
Home remedies
Most individuals with the common cold recover within and few days and those with the flu might take a few weeks for full recovery. If you have severe symptoms, or you think you are not improving, seek medical advice.
The following might prove beneficial:
• Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Drink enough so that your urine is clear or pale yellow. Lime and honey is very popular in Anguilla.
• Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection.
• Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) to combat the achiness associated with influenza. Do not give aspirin to children or teens because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
Conclusion
The common cold and influenza tend to occur more frequently at this time of the year. These two conditions are caused by viruses that tend to spread quite easily. Good and frequent hand washing has been shown to help prevent the spread of these viruses but, more importantly, if you are sick stay at home and avoid spreading the viruses to others.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
