11-18-08

Colds and Germs

Colds and flu are very common this time of year.  But these illnesses can be avoided by frequent and thorough hand washing to destroy the germs.

It’s not the cold weather that makes people sick from colds and flu, it is because they are exposed to more germs in the winter.  When it is cold outside, people tend to stay inside and are more likely to spread germs to one another, says Dr. Cristian Spiel (Sch-pile΄), assistant professor of infectious diseases at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.

SOUND BITE:  “One of the most important means of transmitting the disease is through our hands because people tend to touch their nose or face with their hands all the time and these viruses as I said they can live for a few hours and by shaking hands with somebody else and then they are touching their own nose, they can catch these cold viruses.”

Dr. Spiel advises people to wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner.   Also, he recommends that people who are sick with a cold or flu should stay home for a few days, until they stop coughing and sneezing.  He also suggests some over-the-counter medications.

SOUND BITE: “I would recommend two treatments for the symptoms with something like ibuprofen or Tylenol.  Avoid antibiotics unless they are prescribed by your doctor, of course.  Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of sleep, and again, stay home if you are sick.”

Dr. Spiel also recommends getting a flu shot to help prevent illness this winter.  If an individual has cold or flu symptoms that last for more than ten days or get worse instead of better, they should see their primary care physical for evaluation and possible treatment.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.