Beat the winter bugs Published Dec. 8, 2006 By Kelly Twedell Staff writer POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The winter months present plenty of opportunities for viruses to spread. Chilly weather keeps more of us indoors at the same time, and the holiday season brings together family members of all ages. Colds and flu can occur anytime, but appear mostly in the fall and winter. Family Practice Clinic pharmacist Capt. Erica Comer reminds us that antiviral drugs are not meant to take the place of a flu shot. "The flu shot remains the best way to protect yourself," said Comer. The drugs are sometimes used as a backup to the vaccine in special situations, such as to control a flu outbreak. For most people, viral respiratory illnesses are usually self-limited and last only a few days. But along with making millions of us feel lousy every year, colds and flu can cause serious problems and can even be deadly. Each year flu complications cause an average of 114,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are tips to ward off colds and flu and to ease the misery if they strike: Wash your hands Both colds and flu can be passed through coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces such as doorknobs and telephones. According to the American Society for Microbiology, a national survey found that Americans were most likely to say they wash their hands after changing a diaper and before handling food. Most, however, said they don't wash their hands after coughing and sneezing. The CDC recommends regular scrubbing of your hands with warm, soapy water for about 15 seconds. Touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with contaminated hands makes it easy for cold and flu viruses to enter the body. Others can become ill by just coming in contact with someone who has become infected with a cold or flu virus or who has come in contact with a contaminated area. Practice healthy habits Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help the immune system better fight off the germs that cause illness. Because smoking interferes with the mechanisms that keep bacteria and debris out of the lungs, those who use tobacco or who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses and more severe complications than nonsmokers. Drink up and rest. Fluids such as water, juice, soup, and non-caffeinated beverages can help loosen mucus, keep you hydrated, and make you feel better, especially if you have a fever. Alcohol and drinks containing caffeine may have a dehydrating effect. To help others stay healthy, limit your exposure to them and promptly throw out tissues rather than letting them pile up on your nightstand. Choose over-the-counter medicines that are appropriate for your symptoms. With all the choices on the shelves, it can be hard to know what medicine to pick. "Get specific medication rather than a multi-symptom medicine that promises to take care of everything," said Captain Comer. If you want to unclog a stuffy nose, then nasal decongestants may help. Cough suppressants quiet coughs; expectorants loosen mucus so you can cough it up; antihistamines help stop a runny nose and sneezing; and pain relievers such as acetaminophen can ease fever, headaches and minor aches. Check with a pediatrician or your family physician first before treating children suffering from cold and flu symptoms with medicine. Read OTC medicine labels carefully and follow directions. Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine and don't exceed recommended dosages or length of use. Taking a nasal spray for too long during a cold could result in an even stuffier nose, for example. Always check with a doctor first if the correct dose for a child isn't listed on a label and before giving a child more than one medicine at a time. Be sure to check expiration dates and get rid of old medicine.