‘SA ill-prepared for the 2019 colds and flu season’

According to medicine supplier Pharma Dynamics, it’s no wonder that most medium-sized companies are losing up to 105 days a year due to staff calling in sick because of the common cold or flu – the majority of South Africans seem to be ill-prepared.

As found in a survey conducted by them, many South Africans don’t feel it necessary to improve their health habits to stave off infection.

The survey, which aimed to determine how “prepped” South Africans are for the 2019 colds and flu season, found that a staggering 64 per cent couldn’t be bothered to eat more healthily by increasing their intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, 80 per cent haven’t gone for the flu jab and six out of 10 don’t implement proper hygiene practices, such as regular hand-washing.

Of the 1 800 South Africans that participated in the online poll, three quarters won’t be going to bed earlier to get in their eight hours of rest and less than half are boosting their immunity with multivitamins and health tonics.

Annemarie Blackmore, Antimicrobial Manager for Pharma Dynamics, said studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to catch a cold after being exposed to the virus, which can also delay their recovery.

“When we sleep, our bodies release proteins called cytokines which promote sleep and help fight infection. Too little sleep may decrease the production of both cytokines and infection-fighting antibodies, which the body needs especially when battling a cold. Washing hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds will also help to limit the distribution of colds and flu viruses that are mostly transmitted by our hands.”

According to the Pharma Dynamics survey, 85 per cent of the respondents said they didn’t think it was important to keep their hands away from their faces either, but Annemarie said it’s the easiest way of getting sick.

“People usually catch colds when they rub their eyes or nose after their hands have been contaminated with the virus that they’ve picked up from other people or contaminated surfaces. If you are around a colleague or friend that is ill, ask them to cough into a tissue or their elbow to avoid the spreading of germs. Teach children the same practice.”

As far as stocking up the medicine cabinet goes, 61 per cent won’t be buying any cold and flu medication to keep handy in case of an emergency, and less than 4 per cent will be cleaning humidifiers and checking whether other equipment, such as thermometers, are still in good working condition.

“While stockpiling medicine is never a good idea, having a supply of pain and fever medication – for both adults and children, plus antihistamines, a nasal decongestant, expectorant, throat spray and an electrolyte mix are all winter essentials that should be stored in a safe place. It’s usually in the middle of the night that you need it most and when you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is to venture out into the cold to get supplies from the pharmacy.

“It’s also a good idea to stock the pantry with enough food and the freezer with a few pre-cooked meals for when cold and flu symptoms strike. If you have young children, have an action plan in place by lining up support ahead of time to ease the stress of having to secure babysitters at the last minute,” advised Annemarie.