Saturday, January 19, 2013

We Still Have To!

People are sick with colds and cough everywhere. In the malls, in the public transportation, inside your office room. Even in the movie house while you are watching the most current movie, you will hear people coughing. It is one of the most contagious season of the year, as the temperature drops in the country.
We, the PLHIV community should always be on guard! We are immuno compromised. Most of us have lower immune system than those who don't have HIV. We are potential victims of this cough and colds season.

 So what do we do then? Lets talk first about the common cold before we discuss on what we can do. The information comes from the CDC Website:


Overview of Common Cold
A cold usually includes a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing. These symptoms can last for up to two weeks.
Causes

 Common Cold
  • Over 200 viruses can cause the common cold
  • The rhinovirus is the most common type of virus that causes colds
Runny Nose during a Cold
When germs that cause colds first infect the nose and sinuses, the nose makes clear mucus. This helps wash the germs from the nose and sinuses. After two or three days, the body's immune cells fight back, changing the mucus to a white or yellow color. As the bacteria that live in the nose grow back, they may also be found in the mucus, which changes the mucus to a greenish color. This is normal and does not mean you or your child needs antibiotics.
Signs and Symptoms of the Common Cold
  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Watery eyes
  • Mild headache
  • Mild body aches
See a Healthcare Provider if You have:
  • Temperature higher than 100.4° F 
  • Symptoms that last more than 10 days
  • Symptoms that are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines
Your healthcare provider can determine if you have a cold and can recommend symptomatic therapy. 
Antibiotics are Needed When…
Antibiotics are needed only if your healthcare provider tells you that you have a bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicine or give tips to help with a cold's symptoms, but antibiotics are not needed to treat a cold or runny nose.
Antibiotics Will Not Help if…
Since the common cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help it get better.  A runny nose or cold almost always gets better on its own, so it is better to wait and take antibiotics only when they are needed. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can be harmful.
Each time you take an antibiotic, the bacteria that normally live in your body (on the skin, in the intestine, in the mouth and nose, etc.) are more likely to become resistant to antibiotics. Common antibiotics cannot kill infections caused by these resistant germs. 
How to Feel Better
Rest, over-the-counter medicines and other self-care methods may help you feel better. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed.  
Preventing the Common Cold
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections

Now you know what to do! All of us PLHIV, even though our immune system has recovered or is still recovering, we have to do whatever it takes not to get sick at all, because we still have to!





"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-






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