Recover quickly from colds and flu
THE rainy season is upon us and many persons are coming down with colds and flu (influenza) which are caused by different types of viruses.

Colds are basically presented in symptoms affecting the respiratory tract like sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, congestion, coughing or breathing difficulties. With regards to the flu which is caused by the influenza virus, generally categorised by three major types A – most common, B or C, the distinguishing symptom is fever usually above 39°C. In both cases there may be dehydration and hence tiredness. All age, racial and social groups are affected whenever this epidemic is around simply because we are not in isolation of the contaminated environment or persons. So when a person with the virus coughs, without realising what is happening tiny droplets of the viruses are dispersed either from the nose or the mouth and goes into the air which is then breathed in by another who later becomes infected if they are not resistant to that particular strand already;  hence the epidemic. Some of the viruses get on the hands from wiping the nose and then spreads to others by handshakes or handling other items which become contaminated.

Since the way this disease works is by attacking the body’s immune system those persons who are immune-compromised like HIV/AIDS patients or even those persons with uncontrolled diabetes may find that their bodies may not be fully equipped to fight back these viruses by themselves. Hence, in order to give the body a boost to fight off the cold or flu you may require additional supplements. The elderly and the very young are also two more susceptible groups.

It is important to note that the expected duration for a cold or flu is about one week. However, other spin off worsening effects such as pneumonia can develop if the necessary recommendations are not observed.

When choosing a flu or cold medication you need to be careful that you are getting the right drug for your specific condition. There are many multi-symptom meds on the market, including some of the Tylenol and Motrin range of products currently under a manufacturer’s “recall” because of some unrelated side effects, which should be screened prior to use just to ensure that you are getting the benefits of the required ingredients and not the unwanted effects of the other irrelevant active ingredients.
For example, if you are not congested then you should not use an OTC product with a decongestant since you will only experience the side effect of the decongestant which is elevation of your pressure.
With regards to a runny nose or mucus secretions, the recommended antihistamine will do the job but at the same time cause a thickening of the secretions which may be a problem for an asthmatic. So you are encouraged not only to read your labels but ask a qualified pharmacist for cautionary advice especially if you are diabetic, asthmatic or hypertensive. Further, another cautionary advice with the use of antihistamine is that there is a drowsy side effect and as such anyone driving or operating any machinery should not use these preparations.
For congestion, a normal saline nasal spray is a better choice than a decongestant spray since the stuffiness is addressed and there is no rebound effect from the drug.
For a sore throat; if it is not due to the “strep” bacteria, lozenges and gargles are recommended which will work for a few days. However, if it does not subside but gets worse then your doctor may prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.
With regards to the swine flu or H1N1, specific antiviral may be prescribed early to address this problem.
Supplements containing zinc may also help.
Not only is the appropriate treatment important but also the appropriate dosage to ensure the maximum therapeutic effect; the frequency of dosing, whether every 6 or 8 hours must also be properly communicated.
Generally, acetylsalicylic or “aspirin” should be avoided especially for children with the flu.
Some of the basic home remedies are hot tea or warm water with lemon juice or honey, chicken soups, plenty of water (enough to get the urine to a regular light colour), rest (at least 7-8 hours per night) and steam inhalation. The body should be kept cool and in a humid environment; not overheated. Exercise at least 3-4 days per week to boost your immune system to fight back any infection.
It is not recommended that you share the same utensils. Use a straw if convenient for beverages instead of drinking from a glass. Wipe the keyboard of the computer with disinfectant before using. Use a hand sanitizer when you cannot access clean water to wash your hands. You may have heard about proper hand washing techniques where you should take about 20 seconds to wash your hand thoroughly; enough time to sing “Happy birthday” twice.
If the flu persist or gets worse with symptoms of fever, breathing difficulty and or vomiting then you are advised to seek emergency treatment immediately.
For further information please call the pharmacist at Medicine Express located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.