Is it a cold or the flu?
As we are into the annual seasonal influenza period it is sometimes difficult to tell if we have flu or a cold. How you should treat your symptoms will depend on how severe they are, and how long we expect them to last.
Signs and symptoms of influenza & the common cold are:
Signs & Symptoms |
Influenza |
Cold |
Onset |
Sudden |
Gradual |
Fever / Chills |
Common |
Rare |
Dry Cough |
Usually Severe
|
Slight |
Headache |
Prominent
|
Rare |
Muscle aches & pains |
Usual & often severe
|
Slight |
Fatigue & weakness |
Usually lasts up to 2-3 weeks
|
Mild & short-lived |
For cold and flu symptom relief:
Rest and plenty of warm drinks are helpful in treating the effects of a cold and flu.
Medications can also help with symptoms, most can be bought over the counter (check with the pharmacist to make sure they are suitable to take with your regular medication).
Symptoms |
Medication |
When not to take |
Runny noses, sneezes, & itching |
Antihistamine |
|
Congestion |
Decongestants |
Patients with high blood pressure & heart disease should only use for 1 week only |
Pain relief & fever
|
Ibuprofen or
Paracetamol |
Caution Asthmatics
Check appropriate doses for children |
Chesty cough
Dry Cough |
Expectorant
honey and lemon
linctus |
To treat sore throats |
Remember most coughs, colds and sore throats are viral and will settle over a few days.
If symptoms persist or worsen see your Doctor.
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