Health Winter bugs
coughs, colds and flu Your guide to
You can’t always avoid catching a winter virus. But being aware of the symptoms and how cold and flu bugs are treated could help you feel better, faster
When winter comes around, so do the cold and flu viruses that can affect many people at this time of year. However, this year be prepared for whatever the season
throws at you with our guide to winter virus symptoms, treatment and prevention:
Colds Colds are caused by viruses that are spread when someone who’s infected coughs or sneezes. When this happens, droplets containing the virus become airborne. You could breathe in these droplets if you’re nearby; or you might touch an object or surface that they have landed on and transfer them to your body by touching your eyes or nose. Either way, you may then become infected yourself too.
Symptoms According to the NHS cold symptoms come on gradually and can include: • Blocked or runny nose • Sore throat • Cough • Headache • Muscular aches • Raised temperature • A feeling or pressure in your ears and face • Loss of taste and/or smell
How long you’ll have your symptoms depends on the virus you have – you may find you’ll start feeling better after about five days, but it could take up to a couple of weeks before you feel like your usual self again.
Treatment The initial treatment for cold symptoms is usually pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. These help to reduce aches, pains and temperature. As your symptoms progress, however, you may need some additional relief:
Decongestants Your local Careway pharmacist can recommend a decongestant medicine in tablet or nasal spray form that may help relieve mucus build-up.
All-in-one cold remedies These include a combination of several ingredients that tackle all of your symptoms, including a painkiller and decongestant.
Throat lozenges and sprays Lozenges and sprays can help soothe a sore throat – ask your pharmacist for a remedy that would suit you best.
With all medicines, check with your Careway pharmacist if you are currently taking any other medicines to make sure the medicines you’re buying are suitable. Meanwhile, here’s what you should do to get back on the
road to recovery as quickly as possible: • Drink plenty of fluids.
• Rest as much as possible (you don’t have to stay at home, but if you do you’ll stop your infection spreading).
• Eat a healthy diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day (getting the plenty of nutrients can give your body the support it needs when it’s dealing with a virus)
Prevention There’s no sure way to avoid catching a cold. But there are things you can do to make it less likely:
Wash up Washing your hands frequently may help kill any viruses you’ve picked up by touching infected surfaces. If you’re not in a position to keep washing your hands, try using hand sanitising wipes or gels. Trying not to touch your nose and eyes will also be helpful. If others in your household have a cold, cleaning work
surfaces and using separate towels, cups and cutlery may also minimise the risk of you catching the virus too.
Stay warm Cold weather may make your immune system less effective at fighting off viruses, so wrap up really well to
8 All About health
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