There are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of you catching seasonal illnesses like flu and colds. These include getting a flu vaccination, avoiding contact with infected people, drinking a lot of water and other fluids, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and washing hands regularly. Medicines can help ease symptoms like coughing, aches, and fevers and treat cold and flu in Birmingham.
What are flu and colds?
The flu (influenza) and the common cold are infections that mainly affect the upper respiratory system, such as the throat, nose, lungs, and mouth. The infections are a result of viruses.
How can I tell if I have the flu or a cold?
Most of the symptoms of colds and flu are similar. Nevertheless, the symptoms of a cold usually are milder and progress slower than for the flu.
Symptoms of flu and colds?
Colds
– Fever
– Watery eyes
– Runny nose
– Headache
– Stuffy nose
– Fatigue
– Body aches
– Sneezing
– Loss of appetite
– Sore throat
– Cough
– Chest congestion, discomfort
Flu
– Fever
– Fatigue
– Runny nose
– Body aches
– Stuffy nose
– Headache
– Exhaustion
– Chills, sweat
– Sneezing
– Nausea
– Loss of appetite
– Cough
– Watery eyes
– Sore throat
– Chest congestion, discomfort
Can you treat cold and flu in Birmingham with medications?
Currently, colds and flu don’t have any known cure. Nevertheless, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve you from the discomfort that comes with cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, a flu vaccine and prescription medications are available that can help prevent and treat the flu.
It’s worth noting that you should not take antibiotics to treat flu and colds. The best way to avoid flu is by getting vaccinated.
Get in touch with us today to treat minor ailments such as cold and flu and to also get your vaccination.
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Are there other options to treat cold and flu in Birmingham?
Annual flu vaccination and antiviral prescription medications are available to treat and prevent the flu.
Some of the prescription anti-flu medications include oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), rimantadine (Flumadine®), and amantadine (Symmetrel®). Even though the drugs don’t cure the flu, they can quickly suppress the symptoms associated with flu and common colds. They mostly work if you take them within 48 hours after experiencing your first symptoms.
If you are a healthy person, it’s not necessary to take the medicines as the flu or cold can disappear on their own. The medicines are meant for those who are severely ill with the flu, including the ones who’ve been hospitalised. They are also reserved for people at risk of developing complications from the flu, such as those with long-term medical issues.
Other ways to prevent seasonal illnesses and treat cold and flu in Birmingham
It’s important to get your flu vaccination, wash your hands regularly with alcoholic hand wipes or soap and water. The flu and colds are easily spread by touching your mouth or nose after touching someone who has the flu or a cold or touching contaminated objects. It can also spread by breathing in the air after a person sneezes or coughs and has the flu.
Book your appointment today to get treatment for minor ailments such as cold and flu in Birmingham. At Saydon Pharmacy we offer quality minor ailments treatment services.
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This blog post was written on behalf of Saydon Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.