The common cold is one of the highest causes of illness for both children and adults each year. Usually they occur during the winter months and in most cases are caused by a virus spread easily by sneezing, coughing, hand contact and just being indoors with other people who may be infected.
Symptoms typical of a cold generally start as a sore throat, then continue with a blocked or sometimes runny nose, sneezing, mild headaches and often ending with a cough. Unfortunately there is no miracle cure to get rid of a cold, the average duration is 7 to 10 days, however, the symptoms can be eased via the use of throat lozenges, decongestant sprays or tablets, paracetamol and plenty of fluids and bed rest.
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza, more commonly referred to as the “flu” is also caused by a virus and presents with symptoms similar to that of a cold. However persons suffering from the flu will also suffer from a high fever, shivering, body aches in particular in muscles and joints, lethargy and weakness.
Full recovery from the flu may take well over a week, and medications such as those listed above should be combined with fluids and bed rest again to help ease symptoms. However if the person is not getting any better or begins to have trouble breathing or starts coughing yellow-green mucous, doctor consultation should be sought to prevent secondary infections such as pneumonia, and antibiotics may be prescribed.
At Werris Creek Pharmacy we stock a wide range medicines, lozenges, sprays and complementary products to help your family recover as quickly as possible to get on with your daily activities.
As these products have the potential to interfere with some medications, should not be used in children under six years of age and may not be safe for women pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best you always speak to a member of our staff and/or the pharmacist before purchasing.
It is important to read the labels should you forget dosage instructions and always see your doctor or health-care professional if symptoms persist.