COUGHS, COLDS AND INFLUENZA
During the Winter all of us are likely to have at least one 'cold'
(often several). Colds are simple upper respiratory infections, caused
by viruses, which produce minor but troublesome symptoms, such as
a runny nose, sore throat and a cough, and perhaps a slight fever.
The nasal symptoms may persist for several days or even longer, and
may be accompanied by tiredness
Influenza and influenza-like illnesses also cause some of the symptoms above, but are accompanied by a more profound feeling of illness, with tiredness and muscular aches and fatigue. The fever is often high (39 degrees C) with, sometimes, drenching sweats and shivering
As these illnesses are caused by viruses, antibiotics have no part to play in their treatment. However, there are things that you can do yourself to help:
- Aspirin or paracetamol, are available from a pharmacy, and at most general stores and supermarkets, can reduce the fever, muscular aches and sore throats
- Throat lozenges to suck, and taken as directed by the Pharmacist, or on the packet, will help ease a sore throat
- Inhalations with steam help relieve sinus pain. Boil some water and pour it into a basin, then with a towel draped over your head bend over the bowl, and inhale the steam for 4 or 5 minutes (be careful not to scald your nose). This technique has been shown to reduce the time that people are ill with upper respiratory illnesses by half, when repeated several times each day. Frequent hot drinks also help
- Pholcodeine linctus suppresses the cough. This can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy, without a prescription. It is quite cheap, but effective. Codeine linctus, also available without prescription, is more effective, but can make you sleepy
- Limit your activity until you feel able to cope. If you are not improving after several days of following this advice, then consult your doctor
Source: Bradford Student Health Service
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
