Get Ready for the Cold and Flu Season

Last year’s Cold/Flu Season reported 105 childhood deaths. Most colds and flu’s are due to a virus and the use of antibiotic will not work. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Many secondary viral infections are bacterial and need antibiotics. These secondary viral infections include: ear infections, tonsillitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, strep and whooping cough.

With the cold and flu season almost upon us, we should begin taking precautions. To understand the difference and reduce the possibility of acquiring either, read the following 10 suggestion.

1. Cold germs can survive on bathroom sinks, kitchen counters and doorknobs for up to 3 hours. Sanitize these areas regularly.
2. Colds are most contagious before symptoms begin to appear.
3. There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold.
4. Stress is the number one cause to increased susceptibility to a cold or flu infection.
5. Chicken soup does help fight colds. It breaks up nasal congestion and the lean protein (chicken) helps boost your strength to fight off the illness.
6. Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated and to flush out your system.
7. Though you can run a mild fever with a cold in most cases a fever, especially a high fever, will indicate its flu not a cold.
8. Some flu’s are bacterial and must be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it could lead to pneumonia, a life threatening respiratory illness.
9. Get a flu shot. Flu shots do not carry an active flu virus in them. You can’t get the flu from taking a flu shot.
10. Protect yourself from a cold or flu by washing your hands regularly, several times a day, with soap and water. Hand sanitizers can also help when soap and water are not available.

See a physician if you or your family member begins to feel ill. They can do test to determine if the cold / flu is viral or bacterial.