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.
Influenza or the seasonal flu is a highly infectious acute viral infection caused by the influenza virus. It affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and occasionally the lungs. The symptoms may last from a few days to a week and a person generally improves without any active treatment. It can become extremely severe and may even be life-threatening, especially in people at risk such as the elderly, very young children, or those with certain medical conditions like HIV/AIDS.
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The growing popularity of nasal irrigation for preventing and treating conditions like sinusitis has recently hit South African shores with commercial neti pots (not netty pot) now available. A neti pot is a jug like vesicle, with a long spout, that delivers water into the nose and cavities, in order to wash or drain the sinuses. It has been used for thousands of years as an Ayurvedic practice for maintaining a a healthy nasal lining, clearing both the sinuses and nose cavity. Until recently, it was believed to be another gimmick alternative health practice but recent research has shown that it may be beneficial or at the very least, not harmful.
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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.
