Isabelle Pinard
Reporter
The number of H1N1 cases and flu deaths have not been as widespread as expected, but the common cold and influenza viruses — which can cause a mild or sever illnesses — are still going around, but can be prevented by trying to stay healthy or alternately identifying and treating symptoms, if they occur.
“Most cold, pneumonia and flu seasons are not pandemics, but it doesn’t mean that people should not be worried about catching a virus,” said Kaiser Permanente pediatrician Charles Hearey, MD. “Pandemics affect everybody and is not something you can hide from because it’s prevalent and in the environment, which is why it is important to maintain a healthy community.”
Most people infected by the flu do not need to see a doctor or get tested, but a vaccine may help fight off the flu viruses for some, according to the San Francisco Department of Health.
“One thing that is important to everybody from six years of age to a teenager is a flu shot or vaccine every year,” said Hearey. “This will prevent suffering from colds and the flu, enabling the patient to have a quick recovery.”
Seasonal flu and colds viruses are spread by moisture from coughs, sneezes and talking. Colds can be caused by breathing or touching items and moistened surfaces and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
“To keep one’s body safe from any type of exposure, people should be careful around others with colds or the flu and make sure to wash their hands regularly,” said Hearey.
Symptoms of seasonal flu can include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may experience high fevers, and children may have diarrhea or vomit.
“If you are sick with any cold stay at home for a couple of days to recuperate and to also prevent other people at one’s school or work from catching the virus,” said Hearey.
Staying home allows time for an infected body to rest and recover. It also prevents the spread of germs through contact with other people.
“This year we have a great number of students who have become sick during the flu season,” said Dean of Studies, Douglas Grant. “Therefore, It is important to educate students and their families on why they should stay home because all it takes is one student to infect a whole class.”
Schools are the most common places to catch a cold or the flu because of continuous contact with ill persons who should be resting at home, according to Hearey.
“Students go to school when they are sick because they do not want to miss any important information during class, or have missing assignments,” said sophomore Sophia Redfern. “There is just so much work to catch up on after being absent, and it is hard to learn lessons that you have missed.”
Individuals fighting the flu and colds need to make sure they are give their bodies the correct amount of nutrients, to support their immune system fight germs.
“Another way for young adults to stay healthy is by having a balanced diet with six servings of vegetables, less fatty foods and over-all healthy eating habits,” said Hearey.
Staying in shape through sports or other activities as well as maintaining an upbeat attitude tend to do a lot better with illnesses, according to Hearey.
“It is true that athletes and active students tend to stay healthier than non-active students,” said Hearey. “Yet, being mentally ‘fit’ and having optimism can also help people recuperate faster from colds, flu, and other diseases. People who get sick and don’t do anything about their illness will recover much slower than someone who wants to take care of their body by eating healthy foods, taking vitamins and exercising regularly.”
