Careful of the flu!
By Cherisse M. Sutton-Jeffers
Reporter SKNVibes.com
(Basseterre; St. Kitts): The recent flu in the air has been given many names, the focus, the lion paw and the five percent but no matter what you want to call it, be on the look out for the symptoms- headaches, soar throat, fever, vomiting, runny and stuffy noise and teary eyes just to name a few. It has also caused many persons to end up at the hospital.
According to Dr. Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer, these symptoms are usual for this time of year- the post-Christmas/Carnival season- when conditions are right for the transmission of respiratory viruses such as those which cause common cold and influenza (the flu).
The Ministry of Health will like to inform the general public that the vast majority of fever-related aches and pain at this time of year are caused by viruses which are usually spread by coughing and sneezing.
On average, cough and cold viruses and influenza viral illnesses last 3 to 5 days. The flu is associated with more muscle aches and pains. ~~Adz:Right~~
Protection includes maintaining good hydration and good nutrition with fresh, local fruits and vegetables, provisions, and fluids. Persons who exercise regularly and who have a healthy schedule of rest and recreation are less likely to be affected. Persons who are deprived of sleep, skipping meals and consuming large amounts of alcohol are more are more vulnerable to the symptoms.
The best preventative measure is either to avoid contact with persons who are coughing and sneezing or to cover the nose and mouth if you have a cough or sneeze.
Simple personal hygiene habits prevent the spread among family members, office workers, school and nursery attendees.
They include covering the nose and face when coughing and sneezing. If absorbent tissue is used to cover, discard immediately in an appropriate bin. If the hand is used to cover the nose or mouth, wash the hands immediately with soap and water.
Keep warm during chilly nights and avoid getting wet during rain showers to prevent a drop in the body temperature which normally is in the range of 98 - 99 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Centigrade.
