12-8-09

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.  Dr. Janak Koirala, associate professor of infectious diseases at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains why diseases spread more easily in colder months.

SOUND BITE: “Most of the time people tend to get together inside homes and houses and there is also less ventilation in the winter months compared to the warmer days, so that’s probably the main reason it spreads more efficiently during the cold winter months.”

Dr. Koirala 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 get plenty of rest by staying home for a few days, until they stop coughing and sneezing.  He also suggests getting plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter medications if needed.

SOUND BITE:  “Generally for fever, Tylenol is the best because it has less side-effects.  Tylenol or the generic type variety of medicine for Tylenol, which is acetaminophen.  But also, people who cannot take Tylenol can take ibuprofen or aspirin.”

Dr. Koirala 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 seven days or get worse instead of better, they should see their primary care physican for evaluation and possible treatment.

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