Cold virus a fast worker

Catching a cold is easy, as KATHERINE HOBY finds out when she investigates winter ills.

The common cold virus costs New Zealand millions of dollars every year - and it could even be living in a teddy bear.

Viruses can spread through use of a handkerchief, a phone or a toy. The common cold virus can survive for up to three hours on such items.

People are living and working in such close quarters in the modern world that coughs, colds and winter ailments spread quickly through homes and workplaces.

Most of us catch between two and five colds in winter, some of which are more severe than others. At any one time there are at least 30 strains of cold and influenza viruses, which are mutating constantly.

Every time a flu sufferer sneezes, millions of freshly made viruses are propelled into the mouths and noses of friends and family.

We can also pick them up on our hands from infected objects, and then pass them on to our mouths and noses.

Flu symptoms mostly include high fever, headache, severe cough, muscular pain, weakness and sometimes sneezing, a sore throat and a stuffy nose.

Cold viruses invade the mucous lining of the nose and throat. Flu viruses do that and also infect the lower airways and lungs.

With flu, the sweating, fever and shaking body are results of the immune system fighting back.

* Free flu injections are available for older people, and those deemed "at risk."

Until the end of next month, people over 65 and others with conditions including heart disease, strokes, diabetes and cancer can take up the offer.

Many businesses provide free vaccinations to employees.

How to avoid infection

* If someone in the household is sick, limit kissing and touching - otherwise the illness will spread to others.

* Use disposable tissues and wash toys.

* Wash and dry your hands thoroughly and often, to help reduce the spread of infection.

* Look out for the signs of meningococcal disease. If your child is hot or unwell, and develops a rash with pin-head bruises that do not go away when skin is pressed, call your doctor immediately.

* If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for an illness, make sure the whole course is finished.

* Breastfeeding helps protect babies from illness. If you can't breastfeed, use baby formula, not cow's milk.

* Do not smoke in the house or car. A child living in a smoky environment is twice as likely to become sick with respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.

* Consider a flu vaccine for children more than six months old. A vaccine is also advisable for adults, especially the elderly.

* A warm bath before bed is great for warding off infection. Bathing in water a couple of degrees above body temperature activates the body's defence system against germs. Add some essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, or rosemary - they will also stimulate the body's ability to fight infection.

* Also important: moderate exercise, plenty of sleep and a healthy diet.