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HEALTHY LIVING Tips for the Cold and Flu Season


As winter approaches so does the threat of Flu and colds. Ayse Ozdemir, at Mangal Pharmacy reveals the distinction between the flu and 'man flu', otherwise known as the common cold.


occur during the winter. These illnesses are different diseases. They are, however, both caused by virus infections and share a few similar symptoms.


Colds


Both illnesses are contagious and are easily spread from person to person especially when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes without covering their mouth and nose. The virus is transmitted through the air in droplets. It can be caught by breathing in these infected droplets or by contact when fingers that have touched the droplets that have fallen onto surfaces are then touched with the eyes, mouth and nose.


There are more than 100 viruses that cause a cold. Colds are usually not too severe and affect the lining of the upper respiratory tract such as nose and the throat. The symptoms of colds develop more slowly and are milder than flu.


and Flu are two illnesses that generally


There are three main types of flu virus but new strains within these types appear each year and that’s why flu can be caught repeatedly. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms.


Symptoms Similar symptoms of flu and colds include: • nasal congestion • nasal pain and irritation • sneezing • a nasal discharge (a runny nose) the discharge is usually clear and runny at first before becoming thicker and darker over the course of the infection • coughing


But there are differences between flu and colds as well. Flu will have a more sudden effect causing: • a sudden fever (a temperature of 38°C / 100°F or more) • chills • aching muscles • limb or joint pain • diarrhoea or stomach upset • loss of appetite • difficulty sleeping


Prevention There are no vaccines available to prevent colds. Vaccines, however, are available to prevent infection from the main strains of flu present each winter. Another method of prevention is to stop the virus spreading by the good hygiene of infected people.


They should: • wash their hands regularly and properly, particularly after touching their nose or mouth and before handling food • always sneeze and cough into tissues as this will help prevent the virus containing droplets from their nose and mouth entering the air where they can infect others • throw away used tissues immediately and wash their hands • clean surfaces regularly to keep them free of germs • not share cups, plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils • use disposable paper towels to dry their hands and face, rather than shared towels and as with tissues, always dispose of the paper towels after use


Treatment In most cases, flu and cold symptoms can be treated at home by using a number of self-care techniques. These involve drinking plenty of fluids, resting and eating healthily. Certain medicines can also help, such as decongestants and painkillers. Other remedies that can also be used are warm water vapour inhalation, gargling, vapour rubs and vitamin C. Severe flu symptoms can only be treated by anti-viral medicines that must be prescribed by a doctor.


For more information visit Mangal Pharmacy 59 Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9 6SZ or call 020 8850 6860


Saturday December 18th, 7.30pm Grassed Quadrangle bes de Tudo Bar ell Hall Pleasaunce


Saturday December 18th, 7.30pm Grassed Quadrangle Well Hall Pleasaunce


beside Ti udorr Barn


Presented by SEnine Community Magazine, Association fo


ommerce Eltham, Tudor Barn, Greenwich Concert Band and Greenwich Community Choir


When in doubt, do the right thing


esented by SEnine Community Magazine, Association or Cr Commerce Eltham, udor Barn, Greenwich Concer Band and Greenwich Community Choir


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