Brandon Medical Practice

Elbourne Surgery

wpb9a987da.png

wp2b28d7c8.png

wpe55d836b.png

wp4726b422.png

wpb73c39da.png

wpdc420e1f.png

wpbd7bfbdc.png

wpe36d7adb.png

wpa67a71a8.png

Colds and Flu

A cold usually begins gradually, it makes you feel generally unwell and achy, and then produces a runny or blocked nose.  After a day or two your nose runs with a clear liquid which then becomes thick and yellow.  You may also have a sore throat, sneezing, a cough and a slight temperature.  Symptoms may last 7-14 days.  A cold is a viral illness which cannot be treated with antibiotics

What you can do:

•Drink plenty of fluids
•Alternate paracetamol and aspirin every 3 hours; this will ease your sore throat and muscle pains
•Keep warm and rest
•Ask your pharmacist for advice on what over-the-counter medication would best treat your symptoms
•If you have children, ensure you have paracetamol suitable for children under 12 years and do not give children under 12 aspirin.

If you are taking other medicines, always check with your pharmacist.  Many cold and flu products contain paracetamol.  Using several products together is very dangerous.  If you already have cold or flu medicine in the house, check that it has not passed its sell-by-date.