Health Information

Understanding the facts about colds and flu is important in knowing what you and your family can do to protect yourselves.

The common cold is typically a mild self-limiting upper respiratory illness lasting for up to 14 days and can be caused by a number of viruses. In general, adults will experience 2-4 colds per year, whilst children may experience anywhere between 5-10 colds per year. Common colds can occur all year round but tend to be seasonal, with highest incidence in autumn and winter. Symptoms include sore scratchy throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, sneezing, cough, mild aches and pain and a mild fever.

Many of people may mistakenly think they have the ‘flu’ when they in fact have a cold. Influenza or the ‘flu’ is significantly different in that it is a more serious condition which often starts with a sudden high fever (38° or above), chills, all over body aches and tiredness, headache, sore throat and possibly cough and nasal congestion. Generally these symptoms appear 2-4 days after exposure. Severe cases of influenza can be fatal, causing breathing difficulties and pneumonia.

PREVENTION TIPS

Colds and influenza can be transmitted from person to person via direct contact with or by inhalation of droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Following these good hygiene habits can prevent the development and spread of infection:

• Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Discard tissue in garbage bin immediately after use.

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and using the toilet. Waterless or alcohol-based hand sanitisers are also effective.

• Keep hands away from mouth, eyes and nose.

• Keep tissues handy.

• Use spray disinfectant.

• Regularly clean commonly shared equipment such as phone mouthpiece, computer keyboards and door handles with a disinfectant.

• Avoid contact with infected people.

• Wear a surgical mask if you have a cold or flu or are in highly populated areas.

• Consider a flu vaccination each year to protect yourself against the common strains of flu expected in that year.

• Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet or supplement with vitamins.

• If you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home to avoid the risk of infecting others.

• Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or do not resolve within within 10-14 days or if it appears to be a bacterial infection.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are many cold and flu treatment options available, most of which are aimed at relieving symptoms. Speak to our pharmacist to see which product will be most suitable for you.

Some natural products and certain vitamins such as Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold, especially if taken in the early stages.

Anti-influenza medications may prevent infection or shorten the duration and severity of the illness in individuals suffering from influenza by preventing the virus from spreading inside the body. These anti-influenza medications are only available when prescribed by a doctor.

For more information on treatments specific for you, visit us in-store and speak to one of our friendly pharmacists.