2018 Winter season: Fewer flu cases than in 2017. Here’s why …
A wrap of the cold and flu season and how South Africans outsmarted viruses this time round, based on a survey that was conducted this winter.
South Africans seem to have outsmarted the cold and flu viruses this winter season, with just over a third suffering only once from coughs and sniffles, according to a national survey conducted by one of the country’s leading cold and flu medicine providers.
Pharma Dynamics polled 1 837 South Africans, aged 18+ on how they dealt with colds and flu this winter, and garnered some interesting results.
While a lucky 9 per cent of respondents entirely escaped the grip of a cold, 38 per cent only suffered once, 32 per cent got it twice, 13 percent had it three times, and an ill-fated 8 per cent had to fight it off four or more times this season.
Annemarie Blackmore, Antimicrobial Product Manager at Pharma Dynamics, pointed out that those who struggled to shrug off a cold could possibly have an underlying chronic illness, which compromises the immune system and puts them at greater risk of infection.
She said South Africa had a relatively mild cold and flu season compared to Britain and the US, where the dreaded Aussie flu, also known as H3N2, wreaked havoc during this past northern hemisphere winter.
“According to SA’s National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), most flu samples that tested positive this season have been identified as influenza A (H1N1), more commonly known as Swine flu. The H3N2 strain typically has a higher mortality rate than the milder H1N1, particularly among the young, elderly and those who have compromised immune systems. The H3N2 strain was more predominant in SA last year but has only been detected in small numbers this time around.
“Even though the cold and flu season reared its head earlier this year, during the first week of May – almost four weeks earlier than last year – the total number of reported flu cases is lower, compared to the same time last year.”
She said that while the circulating flu strains were less virulent this season, the over 200 viruses responsible for the common cold could cause an equal amount of discomfort, which according to Pharma Dynamics’ survey, South Africans tried to avoid at all costs.
“Sixty per cent of survey respondents took great care to avoid personal contact with a sick person – 9 per cent even went as far as quarantining a sick family member, friend or colleague. Forty-two per cent were militant about hand-washing, 41 per cent covered their noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing and 14 per cent regularly disinfected surfaces,” noted Annemarie.
Improving their immunity was also a priority this winter with 45 per cent of the respondents relying on immune-boosting supplements and 36 per cent on vitamins, while 27 per cent increased their intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.
At first sign of a cold or flu, the majority of respondents (46 per cent) sought the advice of a pharmacist, while only a quarter called on their GP. Nineteen per cent relied on past experience and 10 per cent consulted the internet for guidance.
Of those who fell ill, 91 per cent relied on one or more over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to help manage symptoms, while a hardy 9 per cent waited it out.
“What is interesting to note,” said Annemarie, “is that many of the respondents polled (41 per cent) made generics their go-to medicine choice this winter. Generics are exactly the same as brand name medicines, but are up to 80 per cent cheaper, which over the course of a year can amount to huge savings.”
Those who succumbed to one of the many cold and flu viruses in circulation this season, cited sleeping (76 per cent), taking a hot bath or shower (43 per cent), drinking a cup of herbal tea, such as rooibos (37 per cent), watching their favourite TV series or movie (25 per cent) and getting some fresh air (19 per cent), among their Top 5 feel-better strategies.
For the final stretch of the cold and flu season, Annemarie recommended a few more tactics to add to your arsenal against the risk of infection:
“Keep up proper hygiene practices, which includes not sharing the same cutlery, crockery, water bottles, lip balm, towels etc. Be sure to also wipe down surfaces such as keyboards, tablets and phones to cut back on germs that could get near your face and mouth.
“Another factor that can turn you into a germ-magnet, is unmanaged stress. Studies show that chronic stress can diminish immune function, including natural killer cell (a type of white blood cell) activity, which helps to fight viral infections. So, try meditation, yoga, running and/ or breathing techniques to keep colds and flu at bay during the last lap of the season,” she advised.
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