“There are several strains of the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus and is spread through the air when people cough or sneeze. One can also get the virus from touching something that has the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes,” he notes.
The symptoms of flu include fever, feeling feverish/chills, a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and tiredness.
According to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), the 2024 flu season came early, and in the past couple of weeks, South Africa has already seen a significant rise in influenza cases. One of the strains, the H1N1 variant – which some people refer to as ‘swine flu’ – is particularly prevalent. While COVID-19 is no longer the threat it was in 2020 and 2021, it is essential to remember that it has not gone away.
The symptoms of the common cold are usually milder than those of the flu. Most people experience only a runny or stuffy nose, provided that a secondary infection does not complicate their condition. The common cold can be caused by over 200 viruses, with Rhinoviruses being the most common cause.
Colds and flu are more common during the colder months, as viruses survive much better in cold weather. In addition, people tend to spend much more time indoors and huddle close to one another because of the cold weather. If one of the people in the room has a virus, it can spread to others quickly.
Treatment for colds and flu
“As doctors, we are often asked by patients to prescribe antibiotics. However, because viruses cause colds and flu, it is important to remember that antibiotics, designed to treat bacterial infections, are ineffective in treating colds and flu.
“Colds and flu are best treated symptomatically, and if you get the flu, it is important, first and foremost, to get ample bed rest and drink more fluids,” suggests Dr Makhambeni.
“Contact your healthcare practitioner, especially if you have a chronic condition, if your symptoms worsen, or if you are not feeling better with rest in a few days.”
