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Avoid getting sick this winter
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Media Release
Date: 9 May 2012
Avoid getting sick this winter
Colds, stomach bugs and winter coughs are becoming more common as colder weather approaches.
Dr Allan Moffitt, associate medical director at Midlands Health Network, says children are most vulnerable during winter and cases of Influenza are generally highest in children, from whom the virus easily spreads to the wider community.
“In 2009, more children between 0-4 years of age were admitted to hospital due to the flu than any other age group,” says Dr Moffitt.
He adds that the best form of prevention against the flu is immunisation.
“Immunisations are recommended for everyone, and is especially important for children and older people with an ongoing medical condition that may put them at higher risk of having a more severe case of the flu,” he says. “These medical conditions can include being on an asthma preventer, having a heart, kidney or lung problem, being a diabetic, battling cancer, or have a weakened immune system.”
The flu vaccine is FREE for those aged 65 years and over, and may be FREE for some children. Contact your local health centre for more information.
Everyone can protect themselves and others from the flu, colds and other bugs by washing your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose. Use a handkerchief or your arm to sneeze or cough into to avoid spreading germs.
Dr Moffitt says to contact your family doctor if you or your child has one of the following symptoms:
· a fever and shortness of breath
· pain while breathing
· coughing up blood stained mucus
· infants less than a year old with a fever, particularly if they are not feeding
· a sore throat for more than two days without a cough or cold, as this could be a streptococcal infection which can lead to rheumatic fever and heart disease especially for Maori or Pacific children.
He says most people won’t need antibiotics and can be assisted with simple advice from the nurse. Free 24 hour advice is also available by calling Health Line on 0800 611 116.
“Avoid going to the hospital emergency department unless it is a real emergency,” he says.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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