Cold and flu season is upon us once again. Flu shot clinics are appearing at your health care facilities, pharmacies and health fairs.
And remind your health care provider to get a flu shot also. The American Nurses Association estimates that less than 50 percent of nurses and other health care workers get an annual flu shot. This number is concerning because colds and especially flu can spread rapidly through health care settings such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Influenza and influenza-related complications such as pneumonia kill more individuals each year than any other vaccine-preventable disease.
Don't Ask for Antibiotics
Colds and flu are viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. With the rise in the number of super bugs such as MRSA and VRE which have mutated due to an overuse of antibiotics, care must be taken to not prescribe or use antibiotics for flu and colds.
Prescription Strength Cough and Decongestants May be Useful
Symptoms such as severe cough can be treated with a prescription cough medication; and extreme cases of runny noses or congestion may respond better to prescription doses of decongestants. These medications may be advisable for those prone to developing complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
If you have chronic conditions or diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you should discuss any OTC (over the counter) medications with your physician. And be sure to read labels to avoid overdoses.
Practical and common sense care for colds and flu includes getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, staying home, and not smoking. Chicken soup and a vaporizer may also be commonplace in your home during the next few months.
Some of the ways you can avoid getting sick include:
- frequent handwashing (and use liquid soap; bar soap can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses)
- use paper towels (bacteria and viruses can live for hours on hand towels and sponges)
- use tissues and toss them yourself then wash your hands (again, bacteria and viruses can breed on a handkerchief)
- don't share dishes, glasses and utensils
- clean surfaces frequently (door knobs, hand rails, counter tops, telephones, remote controls, etc.)
- wash children's toys with warm soapy water and rinse well
- open doors and windows to circulate fresh air whenever possible (germs live in stagnant air)
- don't smoke; if you must, go outside
- if you have to sneeze or cough without a tissue, sneeze or cough into your shoulder. not your hands
- avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth if you've been exposed or get sick
- use paper cups in the bathroom and dispose of them after each use
- avoid crowds
- if you get sick, stay home and don't expose others
Be well.
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