Every year, the onset of cooler weather up north heralds another cold and flu season.
The Cayman Islands Hospital has issued a set of tips for reducing the risk of catching a cold or flu as well as what to do if you get sick.
‘As we watch our neighbours to the north gear up for another flu season, the Cayman Islands should also prepare,’ explained Dr. Fiona Robertson, head of the Accident and Emergency Department.
She stressed that colds and flus are normal for this time of year and completely unrelated to avian flu, which is yet not passed on through people-to-people contact and is not a threat to the Cayman Islands at this time.
The hospital recommends that people boost their immune systems by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit each day, taking regular walks and avoiding too much alcohol.
In addition, non-smokers catch fewer colds, coughs, sore throats and flu.
The viruses that cause these infections are mainly passed on through the coughs and sneezes of sick people, so the doctor advises staying away from anyone who is ill and avoiding enclosed crowded places if possible. If someone gets the flu, he or she should stay away from work so others won’t get sick.
Since it is easy to pick up cold and flu viruses by touching such things as telephones, door handles or money, or by shaking hands with someone who is infected, frequent hand washing is an important preventative measure.
Using warm water and soap is better than simply rinsing under the cold tap. In addition, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands as these are all entry points for viruses to get into your system.
If you do fall ill, the best treatment is to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of fluids, Dr. Robertson explained.
Though there is no cure for colds and flu, some non-prescription medications can help relieve symptoms such as headache and sore throat. Painkillers like aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen also help reduce fever. Aspirin is not suitable for children under 12.
Pharmacists can offer advice on the best medicine for your type of cough, Dr. Robertson said.
She cautions that when buying painkillers or cough and cold remedies, you should always read the directions carefully. Some of these drugs shouldn’t be taken with other medication and others can cause drowsiness. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.
Patients whose fever remains elevated or returns to initial levels after two to three days may be developing complications and should consult a physician, she added.
If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, the patient must finish the entire course of medicine and take the pills at the proper times, Dr. Robertson explained.
Antibiotics are not the usual answer for the initial symptoms of flu but may be prescribed for serious complications such as pneumonia or bacterial sinusitis, according to Dr. Robertson.
‘Influenza can occasionally be a rapidly serious illness,’ she said.
The doctor outlined the symptoms that could indicate an urgent need for hospital advice.
High fever associated with collapse, repeated vomiting, profound drowsiness, decrease in level of responsiveness where speech and movement are affected, and acute difficulty in breathing with discolouration of lips, fingers or toes are all warning signs, she said.
‘These are rare, but serious complications of influenza virus not found with simple colds and coughs and most likely to occur in the very young, elderly or those with previous chest or heart conditions,’ Dr. Robertson said.
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