Keeping the holiday-flu blues at bay

By SHELDON OSBORNE

THE flu season is here again. Those words are often heard in the international media whenever “winter” rolls around, but for people living in the tropics - in case you haven’t noticed - flu season is year-round.

Here in Trinidad and Tobago, people change the name of the flu on a regular basis to add a little fun to something that is no fun at all! But the fact is, each flu-wave is a mutation of the same flu, and the approaching Christmas season is one of several times each when folks flying in for the holidays will inevitably bring in strains of the flu that most Trinis at home have not been exposed to, and will have little power to resist.

Apart from Christmas, it happens at Carnival, Easter, August, and again in October at the onset of the North-American winter, when those seeking warmth find these shores again – as noted above, all year is flu season here.

Of course, most will agree that the yuletide holiday is one of the worst times to be sick – imagine not having the appetite to partake in all that food, or the energy to make the round s of parties! Not a comforting thought, right?

So naturally, you will want to take every step you can to avoid being infected, and if you are not so lucky, and you get it, you want to minimize the effects as much as possible. Here are some preventative and curative tips to ensure you enjoy a flu-free Christmas:

Tip 1: Stay home if you're sick with the flu.

Tip 2: Avoid close contact with people who are sick with the flu.

Tip 3: Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Tip 4: Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Tip 5: Keep up with health information put out by the Ministry of health, or local  

           Public Health departments. 

By the way, in case you are wondering, the above flu-safety basics are the same whether you get the common cold, human flu or the swine flu. The swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. While human infections are rare, they do happen.

This virus spreads the same way that regular flu viruses are spread – from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing and touching of infected people or surfaces: door knobs, shopping carts, countertops, and so on, so, it’s also wise to carry your alcohol-based, disinfecting wipes, sprays and gels (sanitizer) with you.

As for preventative measures, remember to:

·        Wash your hands with soap as often as possible, or use sanitizer if you can’t get to a sink.

·        Eat more fruits and vegetables:  Try to include vegetables in at least one meal every day (two would be better). Also eat at least one fruit every day, or juice the fruits and have them with your meals.

·        Get enough sleep: This is important to keeping your immune system working as it should. Adequate sleep is also vital for recovery if you do get the flu.

·        Get enough exercise: This is also important for your immune system. You don’t have to join a gym – moderate 30 minute walks, or choosing the stairs instead of the escalator will do.