Are you battling with cough and flu this winter?
The virus changes constantly and our immunity wanes over time, hence one needs vaccines yearly. The flu vaccine reduces the chance of hospitalisation by 50 per cent.
Published: 05:11 PM,Nov 11,2022 | EDITED : 09:11 PM,Nov 11,2022
Have you wondered why everyone around is having either cough or cold, or why your flu is a little more severe or having prolonged symptoms these days?
With temperature dropping across the country, the spread of viral infections, especially influenza, cases are currently on rise, both in children and adults. Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, runny nose and malaise.
Though usually not as severe as the Covid-19 infections that we saw in the pandemic, these infections have increased the number of hospital visits and absence at work and schools. Some patients get complications like sinusitis, ear infection, pneumonia and may need hospitalisation, occasionally severe infection can even cause death. Especially vulnerable are the high risk population like children, elderly, pregnant women and those having underlying medical conditions.
Along with this, many asthmatics and COPD patients are facing exacerbations. Winter season can be the most difficult time of the year. Cold dry air and sudden shift in weather can irritate the airways causing exacerbations.
Cold and flu are the most common causes of asthma flare ups. Even mild colds can lead to chest tightness and wheezing. Asthma symptoms after an exacerbation can last several days to weeks.
What steps can you take for preventing infection?
1. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick, as respiratory infections are easily spread from person to person.
2. Wash your hands often with sanitiser. This kills germs that carry respiratory pathogens. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as these are points where germs enter your body. Wear a mask for your protection of yourself and others around you.
3. Stay home from school or work if sick to avoid infecting others. Generally you can infect others a day before your symptoms appear and for up to a week or so afterward.
4. Get an annual flu vaccine. Most adults and children should get a flu vaccine every year. The virus changes constantly and our immunity wanes over time, hence one needs vaccines yearly. The flu vaccine reduces the chance of hospitalisation by 50 per cent.
People of Oman have been urged by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to take the seasonal flu vaccine - especially those having chronic diseases like asthma, COPD, diabetes, obesity, those with kidney/liver/heart diseases/neurological problems, age over 50 and pregnant women.
5. Ask your doctor if you need pneumococcal vaccination; having asthma and other chronic conditions increases the risk factor for developing pneumonia after a flu. Pneumococcal vaccine can usually be taken at the same time as influenza vaccine.
6. Never share inhalers and other breathing equipment as germs can spread through them.
What to do if you get a cold or flu despite your best efforts?
1. Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
2. Fever and pain medications will help; antibiotics are usually not needed for viral infections.
3. See your doctor for early treatment to help recover more quickly.
4. Asthmatics should monitor their day to day lung function with peak flow meter and follow the asthma action plan for adjustment of their medicine.
Finally, everyone should take part in spreading awareness for protecting you and your family.
The author is pulmonologist.
With temperature dropping across the country, the spread of viral infections, especially influenza, cases are currently on rise, both in children and adults. Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, runny nose and malaise.
Though usually not as severe as the Covid-19 infections that we saw in the pandemic, these infections have increased the number of hospital visits and absence at work and schools. Some patients get complications like sinusitis, ear infection, pneumonia and may need hospitalisation, occasionally severe infection can even cause death. Especially vulnerable are the high risk population like children, elderly, pregnant women and those having underlying medical conditions.
Along with this, many asthmatics and COPD patients are facing exacerbations. Winter season can be the most difficult time of the year. Cold dry air and sudden shift in weather can irritate the airways causing exacerbations.
Cold and flu are the most common causes of asthma flare ups. Even mild colds can lead to chest tightness and wheezing. Asthma symptoms after an exacerbation can last several days to weeks.
What steps can you take for preventing infection?
1. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick, as respiratory infections are easily spread from person to person.
2. Wash your hands often with sanitiser. This kills germs that carry respiratory pathogens. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as these are points where germs enter your body. Wear a mask for your protection of yourself and others around you.
3. Stay home from school or work if sick to avoid infecting others. Generally you can infect others a day before your symptoms appear and for up to a week or so afterward.
4. Get an annual flu vaccine. Most adults and children should get a flu vaccine every year. The virus changes constantly and our immunity wanes over time, hence one needs vaccines yearly. The flu vaccine reduces the chance of hospitalisation by 50 per cent.
People of Oman have been urged by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to take the seasonal flu vaccine - especially those having chronic diseases like asthma, COPD, diabetes, obesity, those with kidney/liver/heart diseases/neurological problems, age over 50 and pregnant women.
5. Ask your doctor if you need pneumococcal vaccination; having asthma and other chronic conditions increases the risk factor for developing pneumonia after a flu. Pneumococcal vaccine can usually be taken at the same time as influenza vaccine.
6. Never share inhalers and other breathing equipment as germs can spread through them.
What to do if you get a cold or flu despite your best efforts?
1. Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
2. Fever and pain medications will help; antibiotics are usually not needed for viral infections.
3. See your doctor for early treatment to help recover more quickly.
4. Asthmatics should monitor their day to day lung function with peak flow meter and follow the asthma action plan for adjustment of their medicine.
Finally, everyone should take part in spreading awareness for protecting you and your family.
The author is pulmonologist.