Cold, sore throat, flu and cough take shape of an outbreak

Source: The News International

Rawalpindi : The healthcare facilities in both the public and private sector including the allied hospitals in town are receiving a much heavy influx of patients with cold, sore throat, cough and flu that have adopted the shape of an outbreak in this region of the country.

As there has not been any rain spell after the fall in temperature in the region, the air is filled up with dusty clouds containing highly injurious chemicals and according to health experts, it is causing spread of respiratory tract infections, the most common of which are colds, flu, throat infections and cough.

Studies reveal that in winter, the children and adults suffer from cold and upper and lower respiratory tract infections ten times as often as all the other diseases combined mainly because of poor quality of air containing toxic metals and vapours. Common cold and flu (influenza) are very common infections of the upper respiratory tract involving nose, throat, ears and sinuses. Cold and flu are caused by viruses. Over 200 different viruses can cause colds that can be lurking anywhere around us.

Experts say that extra care is needed particularly by individuals to avoid cold, flu and throat infections as these infections are highly contagious, passed by tiny droplets produced during sneezing, coughing of infected persons and touching things with hands and tissues that others touch. To check the spread of clod, flu and like infections, there is a need to make the public aware of various aspects of these seasonal ailments.

Various studies have shown that if you are a smoker, or hang around with people who smoke, you are more likely to catch more cold and they can last longer. Smokers usually have more severe symptoms than non-smokers.

Coughing can be a sign of either cold or the flu but a bad cough points to the flu. There is no cure for the cold or the flu however to feel better, you can treat your symptoms, while your body fights off the virus. In case of having a cold or flu, one should stay at home and rest in bed and cut down on late nights and vigorous exercise for a few days. Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8 to 10 glasses of water and fruit juices preferably orange juice. Drink hot tea or water with lemon and honey. Chicken and vegetable soups can also help loosen the mucus. Gargle with warm saline water a few times a day to relieve sore throat. Throat spray lozenges may also help relieve the pain.

Experts say that to quiet a dry cough, suck on cough lozenges or take cough syrup and use saline nasal drops to help loosen mucus. However, nasal drops or sprays should not be used longer than three days. Inhaling steam can help a blocked nose. The most important thing however is that self medication must be avoided and one should consult a qualified physician in case of any complications.

Health experts say that in case of cold or flu, antibiotics should not be taken as they do not work against viruses. However, in case of complications of cold and flu, these may be taken on the advice of a qualified doctor.

It is worth mentioning here that cold are extremely difficult to prevent entirely, however, a few precautionary measures may prevent a cold. Avoid close contact with people who have a cold. Overcrowded places like cinema halls should be avoided during an outbreak of colds or flu and especially children should not be taken to overcrowded areas. Get vaccinated against influenza and wear appropriate warm clothes.