KEEPING ‘COMMON COLD’ AT BAY THIS WINTER

The University of Botswana Health and wellness centre has the provided the following tips to keep coomon cold away this winter!!

The first signs of Common Cold or just “a cold” usually include coughing, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing, mild headache and mild body aches. However, most people would recover in about 7-10 days. Common cold symptoms are similar to that of Flu (influenza) however that of the latter tend to be more severe.
…Know the Difference between Common Cold and Flu (Influenza)

• Flu symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills(38ºC and above), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chest pains, severe muscle or body aches, severe headaches and fatigue (tiredness).

•  People at high risk for flu include children (younger than 5 years old), adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune system.

You can help reduce your risk of getting a Cold or Flu in this way:

•  Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  Good Immune system. Eat right, get adequate sleep, exercise, and manage stress to keep your immune system at its best.

•  Don't smoke. Smoke can irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to colds.  Avoiding the crowded places.

•  Keep warm all the time 
• Take in warm fluids i.e. warm water, tea, soup

What is the treatment for the common cold and Flu?

• There is no cure for common cold but it is a self-limiting illness that usually runs its course (7 – 10 days).

• Supportive measures for the common cold include rest and drinking plenty of warm fluids.

•  Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make your cold or flu go away any faster.

• If the common cold or “flu” symptoms become worse or you experience further complications it will be advisable that you to seek medical assistance immediately.

Can the Flu vaccine help?

• A flu vaccine is one of the best ways of avoiding getting the flu.

• The vaccine makes the body to build up antibodies against a flu infection. It is available locally in most private health facilities.

and What about those already with a Cold or Flu?
…You should follow these tips to help prevent spreading it to other people:

•  Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.

•  Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away.

•  Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

•  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as pens, keyboard, desks, handrails and doorknobs.