South Africans have been hit by a number of nasty flu strains over the years – remember the Influenza A (H1N1) or “swine flu” virus that hit our shores a few years ago? The inconvenience of having to miss work, the expenses involved in getting medical care, and the disruption to your regular routine – it’s not exactly something you’d do for fun.
But what about the people who deal with flu-addled customers all day, preparing their medication while they sniffle and sneeze at the counter? Do pharmacists have any insider’s tips on how to avoid getting sick during flu season? We chatted to Pharmacy Manager Brenda Florence about how her team’s plans to stay hale and hearty in 2019.
Flu prevention is still better than cure
If this sounds like good advice, but you’re not sure how to achieve it with all your other commitments on the go, don’t stress – here’s a five-point preventative plan to keep you flu-free this season
Get the flu vaccination
One of the main reasons that people don’t get the flu vaccination every year is the myth that the vaccination works by “making you sick” with flu. This is simply impossible, as the vaccine doesn’t contain the live flu virus. Although no vaccine can ever be 100% effective, getting the flu vaccination remains an excellent first line of defence. Flu vaccines are available from mid-March at Clicks Clinics. Call 0860 254 257 to make an appointment.
Boost your immune system
A strong immune system is essential for keeping flu at bay. “Go for vitamin C, selenium, echinacea and zinc to boost the body’s natural defenses,” says Florence. It’s also a good idea to supplement your diet with a comprehensive multivitamin, as “the soil [our food is grown in] is often so depleted of nutrients”.
Effective over-the-counter flu remedies
If you start to feel symptoms of the flu creeping in, over-the-counter medication can be extremely helpful in relieving fever, reducing pain and stopping the virus in its tracks. “Just be sure to speak to your pharmacist about your symptoms and underlying conditions before taking any medication,” advises Florence.
Make better lifestyle choices
A diet high in vitamin C will help boost your body’s natural defences during flu season. Avoid sugary, fatty foods as these can suppress the immune system, while too much dairy can lead to mucus production. Try to get two to three hours of exercise per week, and “be sure to sleep enough”, reminds Florence, as exhausted bodies are especially prone to getting sick.
Don’t forget basic hygeine
The importance of basic hygiene in combating colds and flu cannot be emphasised enough. Wash your hands regularly – particularly before preparing or eating food – and throw all used tissues away into a closed bin. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and do not share utensils. It’s also a good idea to keep a small bottle of hand sanitzer in your bag or on your desk, just in case.
Do pharmacists get sick all the time in flu season?
“Actually, no,” says Florence. “Because we are dealing with sick people and getting exposed to their germs every day, we have built up immune systems of note! But, we can carry the germs and need to be very careful when we get home to our families.”
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can catch flu, but the following groups should take care to avoid getting sick, as complications may develop:
- Pregnant women (including the two-week period after delivery)
- Children under two years of age
- Elderly people (over 65)
- Diabetics
- HIV-positive patients
- Patients with heart conditions
- Organ transplant patients
- Morbidly obese patients (BMI greater than 40)
- People under 18 receiving chronic aspirin therapy
Stay well this flu season and add these products to your medicine cabinet:
DS-24 Multivitamin and Mineral Daily Supplement 30s
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com