VA MidSouth Healthcare Network
Feature Article - Don't Catch The Fever
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Colds and flu can lead to serious conditions, like bacterial pneumonia, if not treated properly. Steer clear of the bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory infections. Here’s how:
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Get immunized. Adults who have chronic heart or ![Women Sneezing](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090114082603im_/http://www.visn9.va.gov/VISN9/images/clear.jpg) kidney disease, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, asthma, emphysema, chronic anemia, severe diabetes or an impaired immune system should have a yearly flu shot. Adults ages 50 or older should also be vaccinated, as should health care workers, police officers and firefighters. If you’re age 65 or older, you should also receive the pneumonia vaccine.
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Cut down on handshakes. Today, schoolchildren are taught to cough and sneeze into the crook of their elbows. But most adults still use their hands to cover up a cough or sneeze. While this prevents infected droplets from getting into the air, it makes hand-to-hand contact risky business for anyone trying to stay well.
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Wash your hands. You can pick up bacteria and
viruses on countertops, faucets and door knobs.
Frequent hand washing with soap and water will
help keep any germs on your hands from reaching
your mouth, nose or eyes—popular entry points for
microscopic invaders.
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Protect your immune system. Like the rest of
your body, your immune system works better when
it gets enough rest, enough exercise and enough of
the right foods. Eating a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables and grain products will supply your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to fight off illness.
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This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, which should be obtained from your doctor.
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Self-Treatment Do's & Don'ts
Follow these steps when a cold or the flu strikes:
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Drink plenty of fluids and avoid antihistamines. This will help keep secretions thin and deprive microorganisms of a breeding ground in the lungs.
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Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Both can disrupt the body’s ability to flush out invading microorganisms.
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Don’t take antibiotics to treat a cold or other viral infection. Antibiotics can’t fight viruses, and taking them when you don’t need them diminishes their ability to fight a bacterial infection, like pneumonia.
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Act quickly at the first sign of pneumonia. Fever lasting more than three days, chest pain when taking a deep breath and a “wet” cough are reasons to see your doctor ASAP.
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Reviewed/Updated Date: February 14, 2008 |
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