Seasonal
diseases such as malaria, eye infection colds and flu are common during the
raining season in the Gambia
Seasonal
cold and flu diseases in The Gambia
During
the rainy season in The Gambia in particular in the month of September and
October with extremely high temperatures and increasing humidity there are
increasing of seasonal disease such as malaria, eye infection colds and flu so
called “Fresh cold” by some people affect the health of significant number of
adults, chronically ill old people and particularly very young children who may
even end up to lose their lives.
What
are the flu symptoms different from Malaria symptoms
Worried
about catching the flu? Want to learn some ways to prevent flu? Then read this
article to learn more about flu -- what flu is, how flu is spread, and who is
at greatest risk for getting flu. Knowledge is power when it comes to
preventing flu - and I will help you and your family members to stay well!
What
is influenza (also called cold and flu)
Influenza,
commonly shortened to “flu,” is an extremely contagious respiratory illness
caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and
early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper
and/or lower respiratory tract.
What
is the difference between a cold and flu
The
common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory
tract. Although the symptoms can be similar, flu is much worse. A cold may drag
you down a bit, but the flu can make you shudder at the very thought of getting
out of bed.
Congestion,
sore throat, and sneezing are common with colds. Both cold and flu bring
coughing, headache, and chest discomfort. With the flu, though, you are likely
to run a high fever for several days and have headache, malign, fatigue, and
weakness. Usually, complications from colds are relatively minor, but a severe
case of flu can lead to a life-threatening illness such as pneumonia.
More
than 100 types of cold viruses are known, and new strains of flu evolve every
few years. Since both diseases are viral, antibiotics cannot conquer cold or
flu. Remember: Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.
A
few antiviral medications are available to treat flu. But there are no
medications that specifically defeat the common cold. Antibiotics may be
helpful if there is a secondary bacterial infection.
How
are stomach flu and influenza different
“Stomach
flu” is a popular term but not a true medical diagnosis. It’s not uncommon to
mistake gastroenteritis, which is what stomach flu is, for the viral infection
we commonly call “flu.” Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the
gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). Viruses are the most common
cause of stomach flu. With gastroenteritis, you may have symptoms such as
abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Symptoms
of flu are similar to a cold except flu symptoms are much worse with fatigue,
fever, headache, and respiratory congestion. Flu symptoms come on so abruptly
that you may know the exact time you first came down with flu.
How
is flu spread?
The
flu virus is spread from person to person through respiratory secretions and
typically sweeps through large groups of people who spend time in close
contact, such as in day-care facilities, school classrooms, college
dormitories, military barracks, offices, and nursing homes.
Flu
is spread when you inhale droplets in the air that contain the flu virus, make
direct contact with respiratory secretions through sharing drinks or utensils,
or handle items contaminated by an infected person. In the latter case, the flu
virus on your skin can infect you when you touch or rub your eyes, nose, or
mouth. That’s why frequent and thorough hand washing is a key way to limit the
spread of influenza. Flu symptoms start to develop from one to four days after
infection with the virus.
How
long is a person with flu virus contagious
The
period when an infected person is contagious depends on the age and health of
the person. Some young children and people with weakened immune systems may be
contagious for longer than a week.
Most
healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms
develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for
longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters
the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else
before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some persons can
be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those
persons can still spread the virus to others.
Symptoms
of influenza can start quite suddenly one or two days after infection. Usually
the first symptoms are chills or a chilly sensation but fever is also common
early when infected, some as high as 39oC similar to malaria disease.
*
Body aches, especially joints and throat
*
Persistent dry coughing and sneezing
*
Extreme coldness and fever
*
Extreme headache, tiredness and muscle ache
*
Irritated watering eyes
*
Dry mouth and dry skin
*
Occasional nausea and vomiting in children
*
Stomach Symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, also can occur but
are more common in children than adults. You must note that children could
develop all the above symptoms and in addition also can have the mentioned
stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Although the term
“stomach flu” is sometimes used to describe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhoea,
these illnesses could cause by certain other viruses, bacteria, or possibly
parasites, and are rarely related to influenza.
What
are the flu symptoms different from Malaria symptoms
Some
of Malaria symptoms are quite similar to Flu or colds such as headache, join
pain, fever but there is no obvious cough, sour throat and respiratory
illnesses. Please note that the additional symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea
in young children could be further symptoms of a viral infection such as flu
and colds too. However, it is strongly advisable to perform the malaria test by
children suffering from flu symptoms to establish the correct diagnoses.
Anyone
can get the Flu, but the disease is more severe for some people
Complications
of Flu can include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and
dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive
heart problems, asthma, or diabetes. Most people who get influenza will recover
in a few days to less than two weeks. I always remember a German saying that if
you suffering from cold you have two choices;
-
Seeking for a Doctor who prescript medicine, your recovery will take one week.
-
Resting, drinking plenty of liquids, avoid smoking, alcohol and taking vitamin
C and pain relievers your recovery will take 7 days.
But
be aware that some people can and perhaps will develop life threatening
complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the Flu.
Millions
of people worldwide getting infected by the flu virus every year and some
develop life-threatening complications. Exact number of how many people die
from Flu cannot be determined but some studies show that an average of about
37,000 people per year in USA die from influenza complications and more than
200,000 have to be admitted to hospital as a result of the illness.
The
Flu can make long term health problems worse. For example, people with asthma
may experience asthma attacks while they have the Flu, and people with long
term heart disease and having high blood pressure may also worsening of this
condition that is triggered by the Flu.
How
do I find out if I have the Flu
The
fact is that it is very difficult worldwide to distinguish the Flu from other
viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms
alone. A test can confirm that an illness is influenza if the patient is tested
within the first two to three days after symptoms begin. This test is not
available in the Gambia and I strongly recommend in long standing symptoms to
see a Doctor or some experienced Medical professionals for advice and necessary
treatment.
What
you should do if you get the Flu
Rest,
drink plenty of liquids, take some vitamin C as tablet or eat oranges.
Certainly avoid smoking, alcohol and be aware that is a congestions disease and
make sure that you avoid transferring it to any member of your family in
particular your children and also anyone else too.
Take
medication to relieve the symptoms of headache, join pain and muscle ache such
as paracetamol. Children and teenagers with flu symptoms (particularly fever)
should avoid taking aspirin during an influenza infection because doing so can
lead to a rare but potentially fatal disease.
You
need to know that flu, colds are caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like
penicillin) don’t work against influenza. However, bacterial infections can
occur at the same time or follow an influenza infection. Your immune system is
like an invisible shield that protects you from invading bacteria and viruses.
The problem is that stress, a poor diet and unhygienic environment can weaken
the immune system and increase your chance to get infected. Seek advice from a
Doctor or other medical professional.
The
qualified and trained medical staff at any hospital and clinics throughout the
country are delighted to advice you on seasonal diseases and to perform the
necessary laboratory tests.
For
further information you can send messages to Dr Azadeh on 7774469, 3774469 or
send email on azadehhassanmd10@gmail.com
Author
DR AZADEH Senior Lecturer at the University of the Gambia, Senior Physician,
Senior Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Clinical Director at
Medicare Health Services.
