Colds and flu
You know it’s that time of year again when the temperature starts to drop and the winter jackets come out of the cupboard, it’s cold and flu season. In autumn each year flu season comes upon us and as many as 1 in 5 Australians will come down with the influenza virus.
But did you know there is a difference between the common cold, the influenza virus and swine flu? This month we take a look at colds and flu, how we get them and how to avoid them.
The flu
Influenza, or the flu, is caused by viruses infecting the upper respiratory tract. The flu has similar symptoms to a cold, but is more severe. People can experience muscle aches and pains, fever and exhaustion.
You know it’s the flu when you have…
• a fever
• muscle and joint aches
• a headache
• a dry cough
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• extreme tiredness and weakness
• nausea or vomiting (in babies and young children)
Influenza affects the entire body, not just the respiratory system and can hang around. The virus enters your body quickly and can make you feel sick within days and, unlike a cold, the flu can hang around for a week or two. It is important to get plenty of rest if you have the flu as it can result in serious complications such as middle ear infections, pneumonia, asthma, croup or bronchiolitis (in babies and young children), fits or heart infection.
How to avoid the flu:
• Steer clear of infected people especially mouth-to-mouth and hand-to-mouth contact
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you have touched things an infected person has touched
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth before you have washed your hands
If you do unfortunately catch the flu, there are a few measures to take to avoid passing it on to anyone else:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
• Throw away tissues in a covered bin as soon as you have used them, don’t keep them in your pocket
• Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands before eating, drinking and after going to the toilet
• Avoid vulnerable people, babies, toddlers and the elderly
You can also opt to have the flu vaccination each year to help you reduce the chances of getting influenza. Although having the vaccination doesn’t guarantee you will not get the flu, because the virus is always mutating, it can reduce your chances. It is recommended that people who are elderly, pregnant or have a chronic illness receive the flu injection each year to help prevent serious complications.
Swine flu
People must be prepared for possible outbreaks of H1N1 influenza, more commonly known as swine flu, as we approach the flu season. Swine flu is different to ordinary influenza and affects younger, healthier people.
A free swine flu vaccine is available for all Australians. The vaccine is approved for use in young children and adults. By being vaccinated you are protecting yourself, your family and the Australian population by helping to stop spread this flu.
Immediate vaccination is strongly recommended for:
• Pregnant women
• Parents and guardians of infants up to six months old
• People with underlying chronic conditions
• People who are severely obese
• Indigenous Australians
• Frontline health workers
• Community care workers
The Common Cold
A cold is caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat and upper airways. So you’ll find you have a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing, a dry sore throat and possibly a headache.
It’s a cold when…
• The symptoms come on gradually
• Your body isn’t sore and aching
• It’s not flu season and there is no flu in your area
• Chest discomfort is very minimal
• You’re still hungry and eating normally
It’s normal for adults to have up to three or four colds per year whereas young children can have up to ten. Children are more susceptible to colds as their immune system is not as strong as an adult and are more likely to get a cold if they attend school or day care.
Colds are spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs and the germs are spread onto hands and surrounding surfaces. The infected person may sneeze into their hand then touch common objects such as door handles and taps without thoroughly washing their hands, spreading the cold virus.
Avoiding a cold, or avoiding passing on a cold, is much the same as the flu. Don’t have contact with those who have a cold, wash your hands regularly and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
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