The seasonal flu (influenza) and the common cold are two viral infections that are contracted many times in a person’s life. These conditions are not life threatening in a healthy person and within 3 to 5 days, the most severe stages of the infection should pass.
It is not unusual to get the flu or cold at least two times in a year. Some people may contract these infections more often if they are stressed, not eating well, living in colder environments or do not live a healthy lifestyle. However, frequent colds and flu should be investigated to identify other underlying disorders that may be impairing the immune functioning, like HIV/AIDS.
The flu season in South Africa, often said to be between May and September, is not usually a cause for concern given the short duration of influenza or the ‘common’ cold’. However the recent spread of swine flu (H1N1 flu) coupled with the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in South Africa will undoubtedly prove to be worrying factors in the upcoming flu season. Swine flu, the common cold and the annual flu are viral infections that can be effectively managed with little need for emergency medical attention should sufferers identify their infections at an early stage, seek medical assistance and take the necessary steps to recover as in any other flu season.
