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Helpful tips to avoid catching colds and flu

By Virginia Jones
Special to the News-Register

Colds and influenza (flu) invade our communities annually and test our immune systems. The viruses show no mercy to noses of any culture. Colds and flu are the number one reason students/employees miss class or work due to illness.

According to the Communicable Disease Center, flu affects an average of 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. Flu is a virus that affects the upper respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat and lungs.

The flu is easily passed from person to person and is primarily spread by coughing and sneezing. The best way to reduce the risks of getting influenza is to take the flu shot in the fall so you will be immune by the flu season which occurs from November to March.

Cold symptoms consist of a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, hacking cough and a low-grade fever. Flu symptoms appear suddenly and affect the body all over. Flu symptoms include muscle aches, fever and chills, headaches, dry cough and weakness. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications that make flu symptoms milder if treatment is started less than 48 hours from the onset.

Self-care treatment is usually sufficient for treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Drink lots of fluids, use over-the-counter medications for aches and fever (contact your healthcare provider if you take prescription drugs) and rest.

Wash your hands often, exercise and eat a nutritious diet to prevent illness. Contact the Health Center, C-200, if you need more information.

(Virginia Jones is an R.N. and North Lake College’s campus nurse.)