As winter continues to roll out its short days and long, cold nights, it is more important now than ever to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Local pharmacist Bradley Reddy shared advice on what Springs residents could do to care for themselves this winter.
“First, most, if not all healthcare workers, emphasise the importance of relevant vaccinations being up to date,” he said.
He said the current flu vaccine was vital on a global scale.
“Vaccines comprise components of strains of organisms (for example, viruses). These components can be live strains or made up of inactive parts as well.
“When we have a vaccine administered, it stimulates an immune response in our bodies, and we produce antibodies, which leads us to have immunological protection to that specific organism,” said Reddy.
He spoke of how the current vaccine protects you from various influenza strains.
“The current flu vaccine will stimulate your body to produce antibodies toward two influenza A and two influenza B strains, among these are influenza A and swine flu (H1N1 virus), which is currently straining SA’s healthcare system because these viruses burden our hospitals.
“For patients who often get respiratory infections (for example, annual pneumonia or bronchitis) and patients with compromised immune systems (for example, HIV), your doctor might advise on additional vaccines to prevent hospitalisation. To gain more information on this, speak to your healthcare provider, who can help you make an informed decision,” he said.
Because most of these illnesses were airborne, Reddy had more advice.
“During this season, most infections and illnesses are airborne and spread through contact and via cough droplets or droplets spread by sneezing. This is why illnesses during this season are so contagious.”
He mentioned a few behavioural changes to prevent contracting these illnesses.
• We can ensure areas such as our workplaces are well-ventilated (for example, air-conditioning or opening windows/doors).
• Frequent disinfection of commonly used surfaces helps slow the spread of viruses by preventing them from attaching to our hands.
• The importance of self-hygiene cannot be understated. Frequent hand washing with an effective detergent, sanitiser or disinfectant greatly helps combats these illnesses and limits their spread.
Reddy added that we don’t always have to wear boxing gloves to battle these “alien-looking” organisms.
He emphasised how we must work on our immune systems to make it harder for viruses to make us sick.
“Eating a balanced diet is beneficial. It will ensure that nourishment contributes to stronger immunity.
“Interestingly, the earth provides humans with what we need in times we need them.
“A great example is oranges being abundant in winter because Vitamin C is needed for us to progress through testing times.
“People who are fit have a strong resistance to falling sick, so exercise and a healthy lifestyle can add years to your life,” he said.
Reddy said our demanding lifestyles meant daily exercise was not always easy.
“At times, we must accept that life can be demanding in the physical exertion and time needed to fulfil our daily duties.
“To supplement that, one can visit their pharmacy and speak to a professional to prescribe a daily vitamin, mineral and immune booster combination suited to your lifestyle and chronic conditions (for example, hypertension, diabetes) should you have religious, age, sex and lifestyle requirements.
“If we all make our bodies fortresses, every one of our efforts will prevent pandemics and contribute to a healthier world,” he said.
