INFLUENZA and the COMMON COLD:

The onset of colder weather moves people indoors where the numerous viruses that cause the cold and flu are more easily transmitted. The cold virus causes a mild illness that begins with a sore throat and low-grade fever, progresses to a runny nose and usually includes an irritant cough. Most people continue their daily work in spite of these symptoms and feel better in about a week.

What can you do if you get one of these viruses this winter?

Rest is the mainstay of treatment as your body has to marshal its natural defenses to fight off these viruses. Extra fluids such as hot tea and soup can help the body do this work.

Some over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms:

Decongestants containing phenylephrine can help relieve a stuffy nose.
Expectorants containing guaifenesin can relieve sinus pressure.
Acetaminophen reduces fever.
Ibuprofen reduces fever and relieves muscle aches.
Cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan reduce irritant cough.

Unfortunately, antibiotics are ineffective in treating viruses.

While there is no vaccine for the common cold, the best prevention for the influenza virus is the annual flu shot. These are available at the health center in October and November. If you missed the vaccine, make every attempt to avoid contact with ill people, especially those who are coughing and sneezing since this is the primary means of transmission. Wash your hands frequently (with soap and water and for as long as it takes you to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself in the bathroom mirror).

A cold usually resolves after a week without serious consequences. Flu lasts longer and can lead to secondary complications. The immune system can become severely strained by fighting off the influenza virus leading to secondary bacterial infections that can cause pneumonia or sinusitis. If you develop a fever, a worsening cough, or sinus pressure you should be seen by a health care provider.

Many have asked about the bird flu. Since 2003, there have been slowly increasing outbreaks of a lethal flu virus in the bird populations, predominately in Asian countries. There have also been about 125 cases of human infection involving people who worked closely with infected birds, but the virus has not yet become a human virus. In other words, it has been transmitted only from birds to humans in relatively rare occurrences, and is not yet transmissible from human to human.

Nonetheless, about 50% of those infected with avian flu died. Health experts are closely monitoring this influenza virus and attempting to formulate plans for handling a worldwide pandemic should this virus mutate and become a human virus. A vaccine for this virus is not yet available, but the virulent strain has been identified. Within the next year researchers hope to produce a vaccine for worldwide use.