This is one of the worst flu seasons in many years; hospitals overflowing with patients and physicians are worried.
A few days ago, infectious specialist “Dr. M” called from NYU Langone Health and asked that I discuss the risks to co-workers when someone with a cold or the flu uses over-the-counter symptom-reducing medicine and goes to work instead of staying home, spreading the virus.
“Most physicians are upset with television commercials promoting the use of these medications which encourage dangerous behavior that results in making a lot of people ill,” he said, adding, “The flu kills thousands of people every year, and these drug companies should be ashamed of themselves.”
We’ve all felt a cold — or something worse — coming on, and thought, “I feel horrible, but there is so much work to do. I can’t stay home!”
So, we reach for that bottle or package of “multi-symptom cold and flu medicine,” gulp down a tablespoon, pretty soon feel a lot better and head off to work.
Yes, ideally we should stay home to protect others — we know that — but somewhere in the back of our mind are those television commercials showing people who get in the swing of things because of the cold medicine — showing someone going on a date or out skiing, having dinner with family and friends.
However, a few hours later when the stuff wears off — and we are again coughing, sneezing and spraying virus everywhere — the boss takes us aside and says, “go home and do not return...
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