Cold & Flu
Cold & Flu viruses are spread from person to person by sneezing, coughing and touching. These viruses can also live on hard surfaces like counter tops, tables, doorknobs, taps etc. We usually develop cold and flu-symptoms approximately three days after exposure or inhalation of the virus. Colds and the flu are both respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses. They are often confused with one another because their symptoms are very similar.
Protecting yourself from getting a cold or flu
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from getting a cold or the flu:
We all stand to benefit from getting the flu vaccine or shot. The tricky part about avoiding the flu is that we can spread the virus days before showing any signs of illness. However, the vaccine is not foolproof. In other words, since there are so many kinds of flu viruses, one vaccine cannot protect you against all strains. However, even if the vaccine does not match the type of flu virus you are exposed to, research shows that it can offer some protection. With a flu shot, even if you get the flu it will probably not be as severe as if you are not vaccinated.
Recovering from the flu
If you’ve done all you can do to take care of your health—taking your vitamins and minerals, getting a flu shot, avoiding people who are sick—but still get sick, then here are a few things you should do:
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All content on this website in its entirety is subject to copyright. No part is to be copied without express written permission of Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital 宁波开发区中心医院
Protecting yourself from getting a cold or flu
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from getting a cold or the flu:
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching another person who is sick. Try to keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes or nose because these are all areas where viruses enter and infect the body.
- Spray Lysol in rooms where a sick person has been in or around. This will kill 99% of airborne germs.
- Be sure to take your vitamins and minerals including zinc which helps keep your immune systems in tip top shape so it can fight off germs. Vitamin C is a great immune system booster and people who take extra daily doses of vitamin C report recovering from colds and the flu much faster than those who don’t take them. Vitamin A is also known to have antiviral properties but should not be taken in high doses. Before you start taking any vitamins or minerals, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
We all stand to benefit from getting the flu vaccine or shot. The tricky part about avoiding the flu is that we can spread the virus days before showing any signs of illness. However, the vaccine is not foolproof. In other words, since there are so many kinds of flu viruses, one vaccine cannot protect you against all strains. However, even if the vaccine does not match the type of flu virus you are exposed to, research shows that it can offer some protection. With a flu shot, even if you get the flu it will probably not be as severe as if you are not vaccinated.
Recovering from the flu
If you’ve done all you can do to take care of your health—taking your vitamins and minerals, getting a flu shot, avoiding people who are sick—but still get sick, then here are a few things you should do:
- Try to stay away from other people so you don’t spread the virus.
- Drink plenty of fluids and get good rest.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
- For adults, taking acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol, Panadol) to relieve flu symptoms such as muscle aches, fevers and headaches is also an option. Of course be sure to follow medication directions provided on the bottle. For children, it’s critical to talk to your paediatrician before giving them any medication.
Clinic telephone +86 (0574) 86000000 (Mon-Fri closed)
Website designed and maintained by Foreigners Medical Clinic, Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital
All content on this website in its entirety is subject to copyright. No part is to be copied without express written permission of Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital 宁波开发区中心医院