Now the pandemic is waning, it is great to be able to meet people in person and walk around without a mask. But after years of lockdowns, masks and social distancing, experts are predicting a significant rise in flu and lung infections.
Influenza – or flu – is a respiratory illness with lots of different strains. Like the coronavirus, it’s spread when we cough and sneeze, especially when we are indoors, or in a place with poor ventilation. After years of living with the coronavirus, it’s easy to dismiss the flu. But it can be serious.
Each year, up to half a million people worldwide die from seasonal flu.
And like coronavirus, flu evolves. When you catch a cold or flu, your immune system makes antibodies to kill that virus. So the next time you are exposed to that virus, your body can fight it.
READ NEXT
But because of social distancing and masks there were less respiratory viruses circulating last year – so your body has less antibodies to fight off this year’s strains of flu. Add more social mixing, and it’s likely your immune system is working harder to fight off germs. Pharmacist Montana Grenfell explains how to take the proactive approach when you feel a cold or sniffle coming on.
The pandemic made us aware of the importance of hygiene to prevent the spread of infections. Now we know virus droplets can be transmitted when you sneeze, or they can be picked up from surfaces that an infected person has touched.
So clean surfaces that are regularly touched, like door handles, phones and keyboards with hot soap and water or disinfecting wipes.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or high-alcohol hand sanitiser
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and throw away used tissues in a bin immediately after using them
Consider wearing a mask inside crowded places and public transport. Colds and flu spread through respiratory droplets, so if an infected person coughs or sneezes without wearing a mask, they’re more likely to spread these droplets further and infect other people.
One of the less-fun parts of being a parent of young kids is that you get almost every bug they get, especially when they go to pre-school or school. With more home schooling and less get togethers, children were protected from infections last year, so this year’s cold season might feel worse in comparison.
Reduce the spread of germs by encouraging your kids to wash their hands often and throw away tissues after sneezing. And it’s best for your children to stay at home when they’re unwell.
If you do fall ill with flu or a cold, there’s nothing better than warm liquids to help you recover. “Drink lots of warm liquids to soothe your throat. But avoid caffeine because it can cause dehydration. Water should be your first choice, but if you are feeling very dehydrated, electrolyte drinks can be beneficial. says Mondata Grenfell. Staying hydrated also helps loosen congestion.
Some people don’t feel like eating when they have a cold. But others turn to soft comfort foods like rice porridge. When you feel like eating, Montana says you are smart to choose lighter fare made with fresh ingredients.
“Eat nutritious foods with lots of vitamins, like soups, brooths, honey and leafy green vegetables. Antioxidants are healthy compounds in fruits and vegetables that boost your immunity and aid recovery. You can find antioxidants in brightly coloured vegetables and fruits , including spinach, beetroot, tomatoes and berries.”
Your immune system is doing its best to get you well. You may feel like all you can eat is watery rice porridge or dry crackers, but try to get some vitamins and minerals into yout system .Says Montana Grenfell “ZInc is linked to immune function. For example, it’s known that people with very low zinc levels also have less infection-fighting T cells.”
Foods rich in zinc include meat, shellfish, legumes like beans, lentils, seeds, peanuts, eggs and dairy.
Updated Flu shots are offered at hospitals, polyclinics and GP clinics every year. They’re recommended for everyone age six months and above, so even your baby can take a flu jab.
It’s especially important to get a flu shot if you have elderly people or children at home. It’s also important if you or someone in your family have chronic illnesses such as diabetes, or HIV. Some people think that getting a flu shot gives you flu – but it is not true.
Flu jabs are subsidised for specific age groups of Singaporeans or those with certain medical conditions. Your MediSave $500/$700 can also be used to pay for flu jabs.
Click here more information on subsidies and where to get flu jabs
It’s easy to keep soldering on day to day when you have flu or a cold, but the best thing you can do is rest, so your body has the energy to get better.The best treatment is rest. This may mean taking time off work or school and taking time out from your hobbies and social activities. Drink plenty of fluids to make sure your body is well-hydrated, and try to stay cosy and warm.
To manage your symptoms, you can take over-the-counter medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with fever and pain.And if you are struggling to get enough sleep at night, try using an over the counter nasal spray or a decongestant to reduce a stuffy nose and congestion.
Treating the symptoms seems pointless, but mucus dropping into your throat and lungs can cause a secondary infection like pneumonia, or worsen existing lung conditions like asthma, So it is a good idea to reduce symptoms. Most peoplel will feel better in around seven to 10 days.
Symptom | Cold | Flu |
Speed | Comes on gradually | Comes on quickly |
Headache | rare | Common |
Sneezing | Common | sometimes |
Sore throat | Common | sometimes |
Chills | Uncommon | Common |
Fever | Rare | Common |
Runny nose/stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
Cough | Common | Common |
Weakness | Uncommon | Common |
Muscle Aches | Uncommon | Common |
Loss of appetite | Uncommon | Common |
Text: Bauer Syndication/ARE Media