The flu is back

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing its usual winter influenza (flu) season

Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
IF it seems as though everyone around you is coughing, sneezing or otherwise sick, you are not imagining it.
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing its usual winter influenza (flu) season, and many families, schools and workplaces have been affected.
Over the past few weeks, many people across Zimbabwe have noticed that there seems to be a lot more flu going around. Schools, workplaces and homes have all been affected, with entire families sometimes becoming ill within a few days of each other.
The good news is that, although flu can make you feel very miserable, most healthy people recover completely within a week or two.
Knowing the difference between flu and the common cold can help you decide how best to manage it and when to seek medical attention.
Most of us have had a common cold before. A cold usually comes on gradually. You may have a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a mild sore throat and perhaps a slight cough.
0Most people are still able to carry on with their daily activities, even though they may feel uncomfortable.
Flu is different. It often starts suddenly. Many people can even tell you the exact hour they became sick.
One moment they are well, and a few hours later they have a high fever, chills, severe body aches, headache, extreme tiredness and a dry cough.
Some people feel so weak that simply getting out of bed becomes difficult. While a runny nose and sore throat may occur, the severe body pains and exhaustion are usually much more noticeable than with an ordinary cold.
Children may also develop vomiting or diarrhoea, although these are less common in adults.
Because flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, or azithromycin usually make little or no difference. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily does not speed up recovery and contributes to antibiotic resistance, making these medicines less effective when they are genuinely needed. Doctors only prescribe antibiotics if there is evidence that a bacterial infection has developed as a complication, such as bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis or certain ear or throat infections.
For most people, treatment is aimed at helping the body recover naturally. Get plenty of rest.
Drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you have a fever. Simple painkillers and fever reducing medicines such as paracetamol or brufen can help relieve fever, headaches and muscle aches.
Warm drinks, honey and lemon (for adults and children over one year), throat lozenges and saline nasal sprays can also help ease symptoms.
There is no need to force yourself back to work or school while you still have a fever. Rest not only helps your recovery but also reduces the chance of spreading the virus to others.
The flu spreads mainly through droplets released when infected people cough, sneeze or even talk. It also spreads when contaminated hands touch the eyes, nose or mouth.
Simple measures can greatly reduce the spread of infection. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue or your elbow.
Dispose of used tissues properly and avoid close contact with people who are ill. If you are sick, stay at home until your fever has settled and you are feeling better.
Good ventilation is also important. Opening windows and allowing fresh air into homes, classrooms and offices can reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
You may be wondering if it is still worth getting the flu vaccine at this stage of the winter.
The answer is yes. Although it is best to be vaccinated before the flu season starts, it can still be beneficial while flu is circulating in the community.
The flu season often continues for several weeks, and different strains of influenza may circulate at different times.
Vaccination can still reduce your chances of severe illness, hospitalisation and complications, especially if you are older, pregnant or have underlying medical conditions.
It usually takes about two weeks after vaccination for good protection to develop, so the sooner it is given, the better.
Certain people are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza.
These include older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or weakened immune systems. These should seek medical advice early if they develop flu symptoms.
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, severe dehydration, repeated vomiting, bluish lips, or if your fever remains very high or lasts for several days.
Parents should also seek medical care if a child becomes unusually sleepy, refuses to drink fluids, struggles to breathe or has convulsions.
The influenza vaccine remains the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness. Although it cannot prevent every case of flu, it significantly reduces the chances of serious complications, hospital admission and death, especially in vulnerable people.
The current flu outbreak is a reminder that influenza is much more than just a bad cold.
Fortunately, most people recover well with rest, fluids and simple supportive treatment.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics, practise good hygiene, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or if you are in a high risk group.