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Chicken soup for the body
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You may not be able to avoid catching a wintry cold, but you can vaccinate against the flu
By Dr. Mark Wise
In medicine, we like to say that common things are common. So if you’re suffering from a sore throat, runny nose and hacking cough as you read this, it’s probably only the common cold. Most Canadians get at least one a year, usually when blustery weather forces us inside into close contact.
A cold is caused by one of several respiratory viruses, like the adenovirus or rhinovirus. The influenza virus, however, creates its own illness, the true “flu,” usually more severe and capable of causing serious complications.
Colds and influenza are transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route — usually coughing and sneezing. But viruses can also cling to inanimate objects, especially telephone receivers. Wash your hands to prevent spreading them.
A typical cold lasts anywhere from two days to a week. Whether various over-the-counter and other home remedies speed the healing process is a matter of debate. But they certainly can help alleviate the symptoms. Acetaminophen may help reduce fever or aches and pains. Decongestants relieve nasal congestion. Cough suppressants reduce hacking. Expectorants may loosen mucous or phlegm. Check with your pharmacist; medications may have unwanted side effects, or may interact with other drugs or conditions.
Homeopathically inclined? Then consider taking echinacea. This best-selling herb allegedly boosts the immune system, thereby helping combat colds more quickly. Only, it needs to be taken right at the onset of symptoms. Some users find the liquid form more effective than powder or capsules.
Influenza or “the flu” usually occurs seasonally, and is at its peak between December and April. It tends to be much more severe than a cold, causing a high fever, headache, loss of appetite, a dry cough and muscular aches and pains. When you wiggle your toes or roll your eyes and the movement makes you hurt all over, you know you’ve got the flu. Symptoms can last from five to 10 days.
Because influenza may lead to more serious complications like pneumonia, and even death, it’s important for those at particular risk to get the flu vaccine. They include:
• those over 65 years
• adults and kids with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema or heart failure
• anyone with chronic underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, HIV or cancer
• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
Each year the flu vaccine is slightly different, as scientists attempt to anticipate which strains of the virus will pose the greatest threat. The vaccine is about 70 percent protective, and has been shown to reduce hospitalization and lower mortality rates. The side effects of the vaccine are usually minimal; you won’t catch the flu from the vaccine, although it often gets blamed when people catch a cold after the injection.
If you think you have a cold or the flu, for the most part staying at home and just treating the symptoms will suffice. If it seems to get worse, if a fever persists longer than 48 hours or if other symptoms appear, like ear pain, sinus pain or a change in alertness, then head for the doctor’s office.
Winter boots and a scarf probably won’t prevent a cold or the flu, but what the heck, they might keep Mom happy, and they will prevent frostbite!
Dr. Mark Wise is a family doctor in Thornhill, Ont., who specializes in Travel and Tropical Medicine.
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