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4- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 16, 1997 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" "Tis the season... For the flu, colds, grippe and ague. Heres our survival guide for the unkindest time of year By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Someone sneezes in the elevator and you hold your breath until you get out. Sniffling children fill you with dread. And though you feel guilty, you cringe when it's time to shake hands in church. Why? Because you remember all too well that miserable week you spent last year battling the flu or a nasty cold. It's that time of year again, folks: The season when thousands of Canadians succumb to colds and flus. While there's no cure yet for these most common afflictions, there are many ways of lessening the severity and dura- tion of the symptoms. But don't make the mistake of seeking out antibiotics; they will not cure viruses such as a cold or flu. Antibiotics fight bacteria only. There are countless strains of flu, but the one that knocks you flat on your back for at least a week is Influenza A. "It's a particular virus which usually starts with a fever, your muscles ache all over and you experience nausea and a headache. It seldom lasts less than a week," Dr. Linda Panaro, Associate Medical Officer of Health for the Durham Region Health Department says. "It's probably the more severe virus that causes the flu." Although there have been only two lab confirmed cases of Influenza A this fall, several lesser strains of this influen- za, including the common Norwalk virus, plague thousands of Canadians every year, usually over the winter months. With this virus, people will experience vomiting and possibly some diarrhea, and the bug usually runs its course within 24 to 48 hours. When the flu season struck here in December last year, it lasted on into the new year. Even the hospital in Port Perry restricted visitors if they weren't feeling well. This was a precautionary measure to prevent a flu outbreak in the hospital, a spokesperson said. If you get the flu, the best thing to do is rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids. And try and isolate yourself from the rest of the family. For instance, if you have the flu, don't cook for others, Dr. Panaro says: "Germs can travel easily." The viruses that cause a cold or flu are spread primarily from person to per- son, especially by talking, laughing, sneezing or coughing, via airborne droplets or respiratory fluids. The virus can also be picked up through physical contact, either with an object or an infected person. For example, a person with a cold may rub their eyes or cup their hand over their mouth when they cough. Then they turn the handle of a door, and transfer the virus to the handle. The next person who touches that surface then has the virus on their hand and when they touch their eyes or mouth, the virus enters their blood- stream. Unfortunately, colds and children go together, hand in hand, Dr. Panaro says. "If you have young children in school, then be prepared; they'll experience any- where from four to eight colds per year." There are many over the counter reme- dies which will help alleviate cold or flu symptoms. These include decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants and pain relievers. And it's always a good idea to get a flu shot. Modern vaccines are safe, and between 70 and 90 per cent effective. People over 65 should definitely consider a flu shot, especially if they experience chronic heart, lung or metabolic disor- ders. Health care workers who provide care to high risk patients should also be vaccinated. Most people have little or no reaction to the vaccine, but some may experience tenderness where the vaccine was admin- istered, fatigue, fever or sore muscles. This usually begins 6 to 12 hours after vaccination, and can last up to two days. Herbal products are also making a big impact in the treatment of these nuisance viruses. Herbal teas are inexpensive, easy to find in health food stores, and won't cause drowsiness or stomach upset like many drugstore remedies. Some studies show that tea made from echi- nacea, elderberry, ginseng or astragalus will end your suffering sooner. "Also, if you have a cold there is a new zinc gluconate lozenge on the market now," Dr. Panaro says. Research has shown these zinc lozenges help boost the immune system, strengthening it to fight off viruses quicker. To treat a fever and the usual body aches, use acetaminophen, Dr. Penaro says. "It's an effective fever reducer, and helps lessen pain in the muscles. But, remember it only helps alleviate the wo SRR EXTPA TID 80s CANE Now is the time thousands of Canadians are hit with colds and the flu. If you become a victim of one of these viruses, there are a host of medications available that will help alleviate the symptoms. Here, Stephanie MacDonald, 17, shows off a basket of some of the many remedies offered at Port Perry Pharmacy. symptoms, it doesn't cure a virus. "Tylenol is the only drug I recommend to reduce a fever in young children," she adds. And for babies, she recommends Tempra. For adults, there are a host of other products, such as Claritin D, Neo Citron and a new Tylenol Cold and Flu product. Whatever you do, don't use aspirin, as it has been linked to Reyes Syndrome, a serious neurological disorder in children. The best thing you can do to try and avoid getting sick is eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids zapped with vitamin C, and think twice if you have to go out into crowds; some- thing that's hard to do, seeing Christmas is just over a week away. And be sure to have your cupboards stocked with plenty of chicken noodle soup. It's a popular food that remedies any cold or flu. to Nel chapte to run summer wo ps HELPING PACE: The Port Perry Rotary Club recently made a presentation Lung Association's Christmas Seals program set back by postal strike Now that the mail is moving again, The Lung Association is desperate- ly struggling to make up for revenue lost during the postal disruption. Christmas Seal dona- tions ground to a virtual halt during the strike. "Donations were com- ing in at an encouraging rate until the mail stopped," says Anita Witty, Campaign Chairman for Durham Region. . "We need to re-estab- lish that momentum. We're relying on our donors' speed and gen- erosity. We're asking all donors to mail their | Randall, who accepted a $1,000 cheque on behalf of the Oshawa (onations today," she r of Positive Action for Conductive Education. The money will be used rkshops for therapy for youths with Cerebral Palsy. says. Donors can also drop off their donations at The Lung Association's office at 40 King Street West, Suite 202 in Oshawa, or call toll-free 1-800-668- 7682 to make a credit card donation. Request for donations to The Lung Association's Christmas Seal Campaign started arriving in household mailboxes across Durham Region. The fundraising goal for Durham Region is $104,600. With $30,000 received before the mail strike, The Lung Association is now relying on donors to be as generous as possi- ble and to mail their donations today. The Christmas Seal Campaign is The Lung Association's most important fundraiser. Typically, about $60,000 should have been received in Durham Region by now. "This 1s a serious shortfall, but our donors can help us through the next few weeks. They've stuck with us through the years and we know with their help, we can reach our goal. We're also encouraging new donors to reach out to us with their donations this year," Mrs. Witty said. For further informa- tion on the Christmas Seal Campaign and the impact of the mail strike, you're advised to call 436-1046.