HOW TO PREVENT AND RECOVER FROM A COLD OR FLU

5 WAYS TO AVOID GETTING THE COLD OR FLU

Get the flu vaccine every year – even if you do get the flu, your symptoms will be milder.
Avoid being around people who are sick.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth - germs are most likely to enter your body this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces if you are sharing a home with someone who is sick.
Wash your hands regularly.

DID YOU KNOW:
Antibiotics don’t work against cold or flu viruses

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines (called “trivalent” vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses (called “quadrivalent” vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional B virus. It is recommended to receive the most recent COVID vaccine in addition to the seasonal fly vaccine.

When to get vaccinated

You should get a flu vaccine before flu begins spreading in your community. As already mentioned, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of April (South Hemisphere) or October (North Hemisphere) – you can check when you should get vaccinated in the WHO timing table. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be available throughout the flu season.

Children aged 6 months through 8 years require two doses of influenza vaccine, which must be administered at least 4 weeks apart, to optimize response. Therefore, they should start the vaccination process sooner to ensure they are protected when the flu season starts.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO RECOVER FROM A COLD OR FLU

rest and sleep
keep warm
drink plenty of water (fruit juice or squash mixed with water is okay) to avoid dehydration
gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat
relieve a blocked nose with saline water, decongestant sprays or tablets
ease aches or lower a temperature with painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen*.
If you have a vulnerable immune system, you may need antivirals
Don't take antibiotics - they don't work against cold or flu viruses
Remember to wash your hands regularly and to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading germs.

*Also beware that some medication are not suitable for children, babies and pregnant women. If in doubt always consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Understand the colors of your mucus

Mucus is an important substance the body produces to protect itself from viruses and bacteria. The healthiest type of mucus is watery and clear. However, it can also turn in other colors:

White. Your mucus may get thicker and look white at the start of a cold. It can be a sign that your body is pumping out white blood cells to fight an infection.
Green or yellow. This shade is usually a sign that you have an infection of some kind, like a cold or the flu. The green color comes from a protein that kills germs trying to get in.
Red or pink. If you’re sick and coughing a lot, you may notice blood-tinged mucus. This can come from broken blood vessels in your nose or throat. In some cases, it can also be a sign of cancer. Your doctor can do tests to find out the cause.
Brown or black. Dark-colored mucus can signal an infection. It’s also common in heavy smokers or people who are around smoke or coal dust at their job. This type of mucus also shows up in people with chronic lung disease. The color comes from a mix of blood and inflammation in the lungs.
White, green, or yellow mucus can clear up on its own, but if you also have a sore throat, fever, or chills, let your doctor know. He/she should also know if your mucus turns any other shade or is very stringy.

Why do babies get so many colds?

Cold germs spread easily. Babies are continually touching things that may have germs on them, such as their noses, eyes, and mouths. Babies also put things, such as toys, in their mouths, and touch other babies while they are playing. Cold viruses can live on objects for several hours and can be picked up on the hands of other babies who touch the same object.

Parents and caregivers who regularly pick up a child, change a diaper and feed the baby, can also pick up the cold virus and pass the germs to the baby. Babies have not yet built up their immune system to fight all of these germs. Before turning 2 years old, a baby can get as many as 8 to 10 colds a year.

Symptoms of a cold in a baby are similar to those of an adult, however it can also include loss of appetite, increased drooling because of sore throat and difficulty swallowing, fever (38.3-38.9 degrees Celsius), irritability and slightly swollen glands.

DID YOU KNOW:
Before turning 2 years old, a baby can get as many as 8 to 10 colds a year.