14-15 FLU PANDEMIC:Layout 1 26/08/2009 16:42 Page 1
gh FEATUREFLUPANDEMIC
It’s all
about FLU
THE WINTER MONTHS ALWAYS BRING
THE USUAL ROUND OF COLDS AND FLU BUGS,
BUT THIS YEAR SWINE FLU HAS REALLY CAUGHT THE HEADLINES
W
hilst the reported numbers of people falling victim to this even flu will not last long and there are a few simple, natural
bug appear high, the evidence suggests that the virus has, steps that can help to speed your recovery and reduce symptoms.
in most cases, produced only mild symptoms. So although Try zinc supplements, as these may help to settle a cold more
there is no need to panic about Swine Flu, with winter just around quickly
the corner now is the time to make sure you know what to do Drink plenty of fluids and don’t get dehydrated
should it strike in your family. Steam inhalations with menthol, eucalyptus or camomile may
be helpful, as well as vapour rubs
Have I got flu – or just a cold? Tissues with menthol or moisturisers may help clear noses or
A cold generally causes a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore prevent sore skin around the nose
throat, cough, mild fever and tiredness, lasting two to four days. Sucking sweets or lozenges with menthol or eucalyptus can
With flu you will have more severe symptoms, with a high fever sooth your throat.
(usually 39ºC or above), chills, headache, intense muscle pains, Gargling with salt water will also help a sore throat
exhaustion, loss of appetite, cough and sometimes a blocked nose Try to eat a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables
and sore throat. In all flu bugs, the symptoms may last over a week.
The most common symptoms in Swine Flu are fever, sore throat, Children with flu can be given similar treatments, with lots of rest
diarrhoea, headache, feeling generally unwell and a dry cough. So and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Lowering the temperature
the symptoms are very similar to normal flu, although most people in the room can also be helpful if the symptoms include fever.
recover within a week, even without prescription treatment.
How can I prevent the spread of the infection?
I seem to have the symptoms – so what should I do? One of the primary ways that Swine Flu and other viruses are
You can call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100 passed on from person to person is through personal touch and
or log onto the website at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. The contact with everyday items which have been infected. Bacteria
service uses a simple checklist to diagnose whether you have and viruses easily spread from surfaces such as door handles,
swine flu and then you will be given further advice. It is computer keyboards and remote controls. They can also get
important that you do not visit your local health centre or surgery transferred when shaking hands, coughing and sneezing.
if you think you may have flu, as this is likely to spread the virus General hygiene will help to reduce transmission of all viruses,
to others. However, there are certain groups who are advised to including Swine Flu. Make sure that you:
contact their doctor rather than use the National Pandemic Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using
Influenza Service; these include people with serious underlying a tissue when possible
health conditions, pregnant women, children under one or Disposing of dirty tissues quickly and carefully
children whose condition suddenly gets worse and those whose Maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing hands
condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 days for a child). frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the
virus from your hands to your face or to other people
What can I do to treat cold and flu symptoms? Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using
First and foremost, stay at home and keep warm. Most colds and a normal cleaning product
14 GOHEALTHYSEP/OCT2009 READ THIS & PREVIOUS EDITIONS ONLINE AT WWW.GOHEALTHYMAG.CO.UK
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