Prevention is the key this cold and flu season

2009-09-15 -


Cold and flu season is here! This year more cases of the flu are expected and our Pharmacists are stressing cold and flu prevention, as well as guidelines on how to keep from spreading the flu. Both the common cold and the flu are viruses that cannot be cured by antibiotics. They are airborne and spread through person to person contact,usually from a cough or sneeze of an infected person.

This year with H1N1, taking preventive measures are more important than ever. Our Pharmacists stress hand washing for at least 30 seconds (or longer) with regular or antibacterial soap using warm water and also recommend using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when it is not convenient to wash your hands. Pocket-sized tissues are also essential during cold and flu season. We carry these items year-round in all of our stores.

The CDC has several general recommendations that Adams Drugs Pharmacists agree are essential in following to avoid catching and spreading the flu. The CDC recommends not touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs are spread this way and to follow public health advice for your area and do not go out in public if you have the flu. If you have the flu, the more you come in contact with others, the greater the risk of spreading the virus. Stay at home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing agent. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and discard the tissue in the trash immediately.

If you become ill, trying to decide which product to use for a cold or flu can be confusing. There are some prescription items for the flu and some OTC items for cough and cold that can lessen the duration and intensity of symptoms. Should you find yourself feeling "under the weather", a visit to your doctor will help determine which products can be useful for you. Only a physician can determine whether or not someone has the flu.

The CDC has symptom guidelines listed on their website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ there is also a "widget" on the CDC's homepage http://www.cdc.gov, entitled "Know what to do about the flu" with helpful advice about the flu.

In addition to the products we carry for cold and flu, we also compound Phenergan gel at our Mitchell Drive location. Patients who are unable to tolerate oral medications or suppositories for relief from the symptoms of stomach viruses and flu may find this item particularly helpful. It eases nausea and vomiting and allows the patient to rest. This product shouldn't be used on patients under the age of 2 and does require a prescription from your physician. Should you have questions about cold and flu season, just ask one of our friendly pharmacists. They will be happy to help you with any questions that you may have regarding a prescription or OTC item.

 

« Back to News