CLINICAL
WINTER AILMENTS
OVERCOMING
FLU
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza
viruses that infects the nose, throat, and lungs.
Flu can cause mild to severe
illness, and at times can lead to
death. The best way to prevent the flu
is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
As serious as it may sound, most of the
time flu is not of a serious nature but it
may very wel l last a few weeks. We all
know how much of a hindrance flu can
be in a person’s life.
The following are symptoms of flu:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting
and diarrhoea, though this is more
common in children than adults.
The problem with flu is that it is
contagious before the patient knows
they are sick. This can happen when
someone with flu coughs, sneezes or
even talks, which may result in the
droplets spreading and possibly passing
flu onto an unsuspecting victim. So it’s
important to give your patient some
time off from work or school - not
only for them but also for the wellbeing
of others.
The first and most important step in
preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination
each year. CDC also recommends
everyday preventive actions (like
staying away from people who are
sick, covering coughs and sneezes and
frequent hand washing) to help slow
the spread of germs that cause
respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs)
illnesses, like flu.
In the case that prevention doesn’t
work or an attempt at prevention was
too late, the condition can be treated
symptomatically.
Patients experiencing flu should:
• Rest
• Avoid contact with others
• Stay hydrated
• Get enough sleep
• Eat well
• Exercise (only moderately).
Flu can really become a hindrance in a
person’s life so they’ll want to consult
a Dr in order to deal with it as soon as
possible.
REFERENCES:
1. Pelen F, Verriere F, Courhot A, et al. Treatment of fever: Monotherapy with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen pediatric suspension containing 100mg/ 5ml, Multicentre
acceptability study conducted in hospital. Ann Pédiatr 1998; 45(10):719-728.
2. Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: pharmacology, efficacy and safety. Inflammopharmacol 2009; 17:275–342.
S2 NUROFEN® FOR CHILDREN STRAWBERRY: Liquid for oral administration. Each 5 ml contains Ibuprofen 100 mg. PRESERVATIVES: Domiphen bromide 0,01%
m/v. REGISTRATION NUMBER: A40/2.7/0092.
S2 NUROFEN® FOR CHILDREN SUGAR FREE: Liquid for oral administration. Each 5 ml contains Ibuprofen 100 mg. PRESERVATIVES: Domiphen bromide 0,01%
m/v. REGISTRATION NUMBER: 31/2.7/0466.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE HOLDER OF THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION: Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd, 8 Jet Park Road, Elandsfontein,
1601. IBU 15/03-01.
For full prescribing information refer to the package insert approved by the Medicines Regulatory Authority.
References available on request.
MEDICAL CHRONICLE | MAY 2017 41