Winter and under the weather

Symptoms

Every year, we witness a surge of seasonal flu cases in winter. According to the World Health Organization, symptoms can range from a sudden onset of fever, a cough, a runny nose, various pains like migraines, muscle, or joint pain and a sore throat. Most people with seasonal flu will recover within a week without requiring medical treatment. It can however get worse, even resulting in death.

Transmission

Transmission can happen via respiratory droplets or by direct contact. However, we all have varying levels of vulnerability towards the virus, and the people being more at risks are: pregnant women, people over 65, children aged 6 months to 5 years old, people with chronic medical conditions, and medical staff.

Prevention

The best prevention against seasonal flu is the vaccine, according to Dr. Roland Donat, respiratory diseases specialist. “The vaccine might not be a 100% protective measure, but the more we get it, the more protected we are”. Effective seasonal flu vaccines have been around for over 60 years. Done on a yearly basis, the vaccine can prove to be very effective as a means of prevention in healthy adults. On the other hand, if it is less effective in preventing the flu among our elders, it will help in reducing flu-related health complications, in particular death among the elderly population. Although the vaccine is recommended for everyone, it is especially important for people more vulnerable to seasonal flu, as well as for people living with looking after people at high risk. It is to be noted, however, that having a healthy lifestyle and working out is an effective way of protecting oneself from illnesses in general.

 

With winter just around the corner, the best way to deal with seasonal flu is to see a doctor if symptoms are persistent, and / or to be vaccinated. Thus, feel free to get in touch with Bon Pasteur Clinic on 401 9500, where Dr Donat meets with patients every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to noon.

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