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Especially this year, after the flu vaccine was delayed by a few
months, you can read these tips on how to stay well during the winter
respiratory infection season.
Is anything effective in preventing colds and flu?
Of course, a flu shot is safe and very effective and it is recommended
for anyone over 50. Many Beaver patients have already received their
flu shot, but patients who still need one can request a shot until
the end of the flu season.
There are many other simple measures to take to help prevent getting
sick during the cold and flu season. Good handwashing and avoiding
contact with people who have respiratory infections are extremely
effective preventive measures. If you do come down with a cold or
the flu, please stay at home so you won't spread the virus to your
friends or co-workers.
Anti-viral drugs can be effective in prevention of influenza, but
they are not for everyone. Unfortunately, side effects are most
pronounced in the elderly, who are most in need of protection. Drugs
are recommended only for the most high-risk people. If you think
you are a candidate, please check with your doctor.
How should I treat my cold or flu?
Simple home remedies are best for most people. Tylenol and drinking
plenty of liquid will minimize symptoms and prevent dehydration.
Antibiotics are of no benefit for colds or flu, and can lead to
more difficult to treat complications later. Sucking a hard candy
or cough drop is often the most effective way to control symptoms
of dry, itchy or sore throat. Zinc lozenges have been demonstrated
to have some benefit in treating upper respiratory infections in
adults, but not in children; ecinecaea on the other hand has not
been proven to be of benefit by any widely-accepted study.
Anti-viral drugs can be useful in the treatment of the flu if they
are given early in the course. The drugs are of limited benefit
for relatively young and healthy people, but can be crucial in elders
or other high risk folks who either were not vaccinated, or were
vaccinated late. At your next appointment, ask your doctor to see
if you are someone who would benefit from anti-virals, and how you
should access them in the event of an infection.
When should I call the doctor?
For most of us a cold or the flu is an annoyance, and we will recover
without much difficulty. There should be no need for otherwise healthy
people to call the doctor. The exception to this would be if you
felt extremely sick, if your symptoms do not seem to be on the mend
after nearly a week, or if they start to worsen after a few days
of apparent improvement. High risk patients should seek attention
early, as they are the ones most likely to benefit from drug therapy.
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