Most SA citizens are getting sick, and it’s their fault

CLINICS are flooded, doctors’ rooms and hospitals are overcrowded with patients suffering from colds and flu, and according to a recent survey, this is our own doing.

According to a review conducted by colds and flu medicine supplier, Pharma Dynamics, most South Africans are ignorant when it comes to their health.

The survey found that a staggering 64% of citizens are ill-prepared for the 2019 colds and flu season, and couldn’t be bothered to eat more healthily by increasing their intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.

It also revealed that 80% haven’t gone for the flu-jab and 6 out of 10 don’t implement proper hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing.

Pharma Dynamics Antimicrobial Manager, Annemarie Blackmore said three quarters of citizens don’t go to bed earlier to get in their 8-hours of rest and less than half are boosting their immunity with multivitamins and health tonics.

‘When we sleep, our bodies release proteins called cytokines which promote sleep and help fight infection. Too little sleep may decrease the production of both cytokines and infection-fighting antibodies, which the body needs especially when battling a cold.

‘Washing hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds will also help to limit the distribution of colds and flu viruses that are mostly transmitted by our hands,’ she said.

According to Pharma Dynamics’ survey, 85% of respondents said they didn’t think it was important to keep their hands away from their faces either, but Blackmore says it’s the easiest way of getting sick.

‘People usually catch colds when they rub their eyes or nose after their hands have been contaminated with the virus that they’ve picked up from other people or contaminated surfaces.

‘If you are around a colleague or friend that is ill, ask them to cough into a tissue or their elbow to avoid the spreading of germs. Teach children the same practice,’ she said.

Blackmore also said 61% of citizens won’t be buying any colds and flu medication to keep handy in case of an emergency and less than 4% will be cleaning humidifiers and checking whether other equipment, such as thermometers, are still in good working condition.

‘While stockpiling medicine is never a good idea having a supply of pain and fever medication – for both adults and children, antihistamines, a nasal decongestant, expectorant, throat spray and an electrolyte mix are all winter essentials that should be stored in a safe place.

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