RAINY SEASON IS HERE ALREADY, STAY ALERT!!!

COMMON COLD:  Prevention and Control

COMMON COLD

Is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that is simply known as COLD.  A virus infection located in the nose.

It is the commonest disease around us now because of our climate/weather. It occurs commonly during the winter/rainy season.

Colds last on average for one week. Mild colds may last 2 or 3 days while severe colds may last for up to 2 weeks. The average adult gets two or four cold a year, while the average child gets six or eight. The infection has been with humanity since ancient times.

The common cold spreads when you inhale (Rhinoviruses) particles from an infected person’s sneeze, cough, speech or loose particles from when they wipe their nose. You can also pick up the virus by touching a contaminated surface that an infected individual has touched. Common areas includes ; doorknobs, towels, pillows and children toys.

SYMPTOMS: main symptoms include: sore throat, blocked/runny nose, sneezing and coughing, loss of voice, generally feeling unwell.

Less common symptoms are: headache, muscle pain, loss of taste and smell.

PREVENTIONS

Wash your hands regularly, particularly before touching your nose or mouth and before handling food.

Use your own cup, plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils.

Don’t share your towels or pillows with someone who is infected.

Put on protective cloths, don’t expose your body.

TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT SPREADING IF YOU ARE INFECTED

Stay at home while you are sick.

Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands.

Always wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as pillows and doorknobs

GET DIAGNOSED and GET treated.

REMEMBER RAINING SEASON IS HERE ALREADY, STAY ALERT!!!