www.womanthismonth.com 53 January 2014 A seemingly harmless infliction, seasonal influenza can play spoilsport when you have to show up for that all-important job interview, presentation or a special date, with an aching, feverish body, puffy eyes and Rudolph’s nose. Read on for the experts’ take on how to deal with the big bad flu. Seasonal influenza explained Our Expert: Dr Nagesh Babu, consultant internal medicine, Al Kindi Specialist Hospital Influenza is an infection of the respiratory tract observed to strike during seasonal transition, affirms Dr Babu. Symptoms are cough, a runny and stuffy nose, fatigue, fever, chills and body ache. Influenza is transmitted through droplets from sneezes and coughs of infected people. “The condition worsens as we tend to live in closed environments, which allow the virus to circulate within homes and offices,” says the doctor. Influenza can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and bacterial infections. Risk groups include both young children and adults over the age of 65. They have low immunity, which allows the infection to be more virulent. Patients of asthma, diabetes, allergic problems also fall under the high-risk group. The infection thrives more easily in such people and further aggravates their underlying problem. Symptoms of influenza are different from the regular common cold and sore throat in terms of severity. They are more severe, could lead to further problems and take longer to alleviate. The symptoms manifest after around three days after the infection attacks, but can spread to others from the very first day. “Patients must avoid direct contact with others to prevent spread of the virus,” advises Dr Babu. Treatment and prevention Our Expert: Dr Abdelhafid Boumezbeur, specialist internal medicine, Royal Bahrain Hospital “Viruses are always changing their configuration. So only symptomatic treatment for influenza is given,” says Dr Abdelhafid. Pain killers, antihistamines and cough syrups are the usual way to go. If there is a high risk of infection, antibiotics are administered. Children should be given a paediatric dose and expectant ladies must steer clear of these medications, unless under strict medical supervision when absolutely necessary. One must remember that all medicines have minor side effects, like dizziness or irritability, due to which patients must avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery. Also, if very strong antibiotics are taken for a long duration, it can cause resistance to bacteria and hence must be avoided. “Normally, the body can fight the virus on its own without any medication. Medicines only help to reduce the duration and acuteness of the symptoms so one can go about daily activities normally. Timely medication also prevents possibility of upper respiratory tract infection,” says the doctor. Like many others, Dr Abdelhafid suggests the influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu. It is especially helpful for aged patients and those suffering from cardiac problems, diabetes and chronic respiratory disorders. This vaccine changes every year to combat new strains of the virus and protects against most common types of flu viruses. The infamous Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) making the headlines these days has symptoms similar to seasonal influenza. They are far more serious and can be fatal due to intense respiratory distress. Blood tests and a separate protocol are part of the diagnosis.
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