Poll says South Africans did well against flu and colds
JOHANNESBURG – A recent poll by Pharma Dynamics showed that South Africans seemed to have outsmarted colds and flu viruses this winter with 38 per cent suffering only once.
A recent poll by Pharma Dynamics showed that South Africans did well against flu and colds during the winter season.
Pharma Dynamics, one of the country’s leading colds and flu medicine providers, polled 1 837 people, aged 18 and over, on how they dealt with illness this winter. While a 9 per cent of respondents entirely escaped illness, 38 per cent only suffered once, 32 per cent got it twice, 13 per cent had it thrice and an ill-fated 8 per cent had to fight it off four or more times this season.
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Antimicrobial product manager at Pharma Dynamics, Annemarie Blackmore said that those who struggled with a cold could possibly have an underlying chronic illness, which compromises the immune system and puts them at greater risk of infection.
She said that South Africa has had a relatively mild colds and flu season compared to the rest of the world. The Aussie flu, also known as H3N2, wreaked havoc in Britain and the US during this past northern hemisphere winter.
Blackmore added, “According to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), most flu samples that tested positive this season have been identified as influenza A, more commonly known as swine flu. The H3N2 strain typically has a higher mortality rate than the milder H1N1, particularly among the young, elderly and those who have compromised immune systems. The H3N2 strain was more predominant in South Africa last year but has only been detected in small numbers this time around.
“Even though the colds and flu season reared its head earlier this year, during the first week of May, almost four weeks earlier than last year, the total number of reported flu cases are lower compared to the same time last year.”
She also said that while circulating flu strains were less virulent this season, South Africans tried to avoid it at all costs. “60 per cent of survey respondents took great care in avoiding personal contact with a sick person, 9 per cent even went as far as quarantining a sick family member, friend or colleague. 42 per cent were militant about hand-washing, 41 per cent covered their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and 14 per cent regularly disinfected surfaces.”
According to her, improving their immunity was also a priority this winter with 45 per cent of South Africans relying on immune-boosting supplements and 36 per cent on vitamins, while 27 per cent increased their intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. At first sign of a cold or flu, 46 per cent of respondents sought the advice of a pharmacist, while only a quarter called on their doctor. Of those who fell ill, 91 per cent relied on one or more over-the-counter treatments to help manage symptoms, while a hardy 9 per cent waited it out.
Blackmore added, “What is interesting to note, is that 41 per cent of the respondents polled made generics their go-to medicine choice this winter. Generics are exactly the same as brand-name medicines, but are up to 80 per cent cheaper, which over the course of a year can amount to huge savings.”
For the final stretch of the colds and flu season, Blackmore recommended a few more arsenal tactics to reduce one’s risk of infection. “Keep up proper hygiene practices, which includes not sharing the same cutlery, crockery, water bottles, lip balm, towels etc. Be sure to also wipe down surfaces such as keyboards, tablets and phones to cut back on germs that could get near your face and mouth.”
Details: Pharma Dynamics pharmadynamics.co.za
