best flu tips | Dr Nora

Jun 28
2022

Everything you Should Know about Flu, Cold and Antibiotics | Doctor Explains

In today’s episode I take you through what symptoms to look out for and how to manage if you have picked up this year’s influenza virus.

Australia, to date, has recorded over 87,000 cases of the Influenza virus this year alone. Usually the flu peaks during the cooler month of August, however, we are seeing a spike much earlier on in the year. It is thought that this is related to very few cases in the proceeding 2 years due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. Now that these are lifted, cases are transmitting through the community at a rapid rate.

INFLUENZA SYMPTOMS

This may commonly present as fever, chills, cough - which may be productive, runny nose or a sore throat. You may be feeling very lethargic and have little energy to carry out tasks.

COMMON COLD

There are plenty of circulating viruses at the moment and the common cold is also one that is prevalent, the symptoms of this tend to be a runny nose, cough, sneezing and less commonly a fever.

DIAGNOSIS

Most cases respond nicely to a little TLC at home, however, if there is any doubt to the diagnosis a trip to the doctor after calling in advance may be an idea. By calling in advance, you are letting the practice know you are unwell and they may offer to either do a telephone consult or place you in isolation away from other patients.

A nasal swab is required to accurately diagnose the influenza virus. Your doctor may also carry out a physical examination to ensure there is no secondary bacterial infection.

TREATMENT

As mentioned, most cases will respond to rest, hydration and simple pain killers to reduce fever if permitted by your medical doctor. To ease a sore throat you may wish to gargle salt water if you are an adult. Simple conservative measures like a warm drink and resting well will often help to manage your symptoms effectively.

If you feel your symptoms have not improved or indeed are getting worse then it is advisable to speak with your local doctor. In some cases, where a patient may be immunocompromised, for example, pregnancy, over the age of 65 or other chronic illnesses, these patients may be at risk of developing a secondary bacterial infection which will respond to oral antibiotics.

ANTIBIOTICS

The common cold and influenza are caused by viruses, this means that antibiotics simply do not work. Unless you have a bacterial infection as mentioned above, they really will not aid your symptoms. In fact they will do more harm that good, you may get side effects from the antibiotics and worse still, you may develop a resistance to antibiotics, so that one day when you really need them, they do not work.

PROTECTION

We have all now been well versed about social distancing and mask wearing if we are unwell. These measures work effectively for the flu virus and common cold. Similarly, if you are sick, it is advisable to stay home from work and avoid infecting others around you. To improve your immune system and reduce the probability of catching the virus, ensure that you get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. You may also consider getting an influenza vaccine from your local doctor.

CHAPTERS

0.07 Introduction

0:46 Chlamydia

1:35 Chlamydia Symptoms

2:55 Diagnosis

3:46 Chlamydia Treatment

5:45 Gonorrhea

6:18 Gonorrhea Symptoms

8:17 Gonorrhea Treatment

10:26 Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this video and as always if you have any questions or comments please drop me in a line below.

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