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Your guide to spotting and stopping the flu early

Act fast to prevent infection or – at least – reduce its severity.

26 July 2016
by Glynis Horning

Book your flu vaccine now

Flu is a viral infection that comes in different strains each year, and while there is still no known cure, there are steps you can take to outsmart it. We asked the experts how to spot the symptoms early and what to do to stop the virus in its tracks.

Spot the signs

Being around others who are succumbing to the flu puts you at risk of infection. Be alert to the following signs: 

Tiredness: Not just the tiredness of overwork (or play!), but sudden extreme tiredness accompanied by weakness that interferes with your usual activities, says registered nurse and Clicks regional clinic manager Carol Gray.

Chills and aches: You’re not just overdoing it at the gym if body aches include your head as well as your legs, and come with chills – precursors of fever and flu.

Cough: If your cough is wheezy and your chest is tight, you’re brewing more than a cold.

Sore throat: A slight scratchiness or discomfort when swallowing may signal a bacterial or fungal throat infection, says Gray, but it’s also a common early sign of flu.

Swing into action

When a virus infects your body, it enters your cells and reprogrammes them to produce more viruses. Taking preventative steps in the first 24 hours may help combat this process.

1. Call your doctor

If there is bad flu going around and you haven’t yet had your shot, particularly if you are vulnerable (asthmatic, diabetic or HIV-positive), ask about antiviral flu medication such as Tamiflu, available on prescription.  Studies suggest taking it within 48 hours of the first symptoms can shorten flu and lessen its severity, if not stave it off.

2. Get some rest 

Fighting off infection requires energy. Take a day off to rest if you are able to so that your body can focus on repairing damaged cells. 

3. Reduce symptoms

Painkillers, cough syrups, throat lozenges, gargles and saline drops (for a blocked nose) are often all you need, says Dr Kuven Naidoo, a Benoni specialist physician. 

TRY: Doktor Mom Herbal Cough Lozenges, Clicks Saline Spray, Cepacol Throat Lozenges, and Panado Tablets

4. Boost your immune system

Some studies have shown that vitamin C can help reduce symptoms of the common cold, and although the scientific jury is out on their efficacy against flu viruses, there are many anecdotal accounts of eased symptoms.

A report in the Annals of Internal Medicine also found zinc helped reduce coughs, headaches, hoarseness, muscle aches, nasal congestion, sore throats and fevers. Some researchers advocate megadoses of 1000mg or more of vitamin C a day, but the US National Institutes of Health simply recommend 200mg daily for “regular health maintenance”. For zinc, the US government recommends 12 to 20mg daily. 

TRY: Clicks Vitamin-C Tablets and Vital Zinc Complex Tablets

5. Drink lots of liquids

This will help you stay hydrated and keep mucus thin, says Gray.

How Clicks Clinics can help you during the flu season

Book an appointment for a flu vaccination at a Clicks Clinic by calling 0860 254 257 or visiting Clicks Clinics online. The good news is that most medical aids now cover the flu vaccination and sometimes even reward members. 

Take note that the following people cannot get vaccinated:

  • Babies younger than 6 months
  • Anyone allergic to eggs
  • Anyone who already has a fever
  • Anyone who has shown a past reaction to a vaccine

Shop now at Clicks.co.za for cold and flu remedies

To help you ward off colds and the flu, or recover from them, Clicks pharmacists have selected the most trustworthy and affordable products for you to purchase online. These include a wide range of vitamins and supplements and cough, cold and flu remedies.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com

Read More: Flu Super Section