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Fight the ‘cold war’ with help
from your local pharmacist
W
INTER chills can make life miserable and at Question: I have a young family and this winter I’m
this time of year people feel more susceptible determined to be prepared for colds and flu. What are
to colds and flu. the best medicines to keep to hand?
According to the National Pharmacy Asso- Answer: For both colds and flu, rest, warmth and
ciation (NPA), which represents the nation’s community plenty of fluids is the best treatment. But you can stock
pharmacists, there’s always confusion about the differ- some medicines – such as paracetamol – that will
ence between a cold and flu. reduce the severity of symptoms and make the sufferer
Basically they are both virus based, but a cold usually more comfortable. The best treatment for a fever is bed-
starts gradually when you get a sore throat and stuffy or rest – resting helps the body’s immune system to fight a
runny nose; flu hits you more suddenly and tends to be virus. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to replace those
so severe that it’s difficult to get out of bed. Flu symp- lost from your body.
toms affect much of the body – and include fever, chills, To be prepared for colds and flu, ask your pharmacist
headaches and aching muscles and you can often get a to recommend a suitable analgesic – paracetamol, ibu-
cough and sore throat at the same time. profen or aspirin – to reduce fever and relieve any aches
John D’Arcy, chief executive of the NPA, advises: “If and pains. Remember to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen if
you succumb to a bad cold or the latest flu bug, do you have stomach problems or asthma. If in doubt, ask
remember to check with your pharmacist before buying, the pharmacist’s advice on the best kind of treatment for
or taking, any over-the-counter medicines. This is par- each member of the family.
ticularly important if you are taking other remedies. Children and babies are likely to need different medi-
There are a number of cold and flu remedies available cines from the adults in the family – for example aspirin
from your local pharmacy to help alleviate the symp- should never be given to children under 16. Painkillers
toms – and painkillers to reduce fever and relieve aches are also available in syrup forms for young children and
and pains. However, people with stomach problems or many adults find an all-in-one cold or flu remedy offers
asthma should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen. a quick and convenient answer. But, as many cold and
Your pharmacist will recommend a suitable medicine flu remedies contain paracetamol, to avoid accidental
for you – and will be happy to answer any questions overdose you should never take more than one para-
or concerns. And don’t hesitate to contact him should cetamol-based remedy.
symptoms persist.” Your pharmacist can also suggest appropriate medi-
Self-help tips for fighting flu and colds cines for sore throats and coughs – whether they’re dry
If you have a runny nose, it may help to smooth pure or chesty – and, again, may recommend something spe-
petroleum jelly around your nostrils to prevent them get- cifically for children depending on their ages.
ting dry and sore with all that excess blowing. If you’re taking other medication prescribed by your
If your nose is blocked, add a teaspoon of vapour doctor, don’t use anything without checking with your
rub, or one or two menthol crystals, to a pint of steaming pharmacist that it’s safe to do so. Some medicines can
hot water in a bowl. Lean over the bowl, with a towel conflict with each other. Read the labels carefully, and
over your head to trap the steam, and inhale. Do this for if you have any doubts or questions check with your
10 minutes, three times a day. pharmacist.
Ensure you get sufficient rest – extra sleep or bed-rest Question: My husband has just had a nasty cold and
helps recovery. still has an irritating cough that keeps us both awake at
Drink plenty of fluids and eat as much as you feel able night. Should he go to the doctor?
to. Answer: For most normally healthy adults, the phar-
There is no cure as such for colds or flu, but the macy, rather than the doctor’s surgery, is the first port
good news is that a healthy dose of advice and effective of call for treating a cough. The treatment your husband
remedies to relieve the symptoms are available from needs depends on what sort of cough he has.
your local pharmacy. So when you’re fighting the “cold For a non-productive cough, which is dry and tickly,
war” remember to take your pharmacist’s advice before and irritates the throat, a medicine containing a cough
taking anything else! suppressant will help. If it’s more of a chesty cough, an
expectorant would be more suitable. A word of caution
though, some cough medicines may cause drowsiness,
which will help you get some sleep at night but may
make your husband drowsy during the day. That could When taking over-the-counter medication to treat the symptoms of colds and flu, remember to check the paracetamol content to avoid accidental overdose.
be a problem if he needs to drive or operate machinery
at work. known is that pharmacists can advise on staying healthy However, it should be safe for your boyfriend to take may become inflamed and infected.
The pharmacy staff may also ask a few questions too. Ask yours to give you advice on what makes a bal- paracetamol to relieve his cold and aches and pains. It The skin on the lips is thin and it is easy for the sur-
before they can recommend the most appropriate anced diet if you’re unsure. is an effective painkiller and will help to bring down his face to dry out. Factors that can contribute include wind,
treatment, because a cough could be a symptom of Question: I had a nasty bout of flu three weeks ago. temperature while being gentle on the stomach. rain and cold; dry, hot air or sunshine, and sunburn;
something else and some medicines interact with others Although the symptoms have now cleared up and I have However, it is important to follow the dosage instruc- smoky atmospheres; and allergic reactions to ingredi-
or should not be taken with alcohol. If your husband returned to work, I am concerned because I still feel very tions to the letter – and to remember that many of the ents in cosmetics
talks to the pharmacist about his symptoms he or she run down and depressed. Is this normal? specially formulated all-in-one cold remedies also Talk to your pharmacist about the best way to treat
will certainly tell your husband if they think a visit to his Answer: Periods of illness can affect our routine, leav- contain paracetamol. So if your boyfriend is taking one chapped lips. You will need to restore moisture to the
GP is advisable. ing us feeling worn out and run down – and it is certainly of these products to treat his cold, he should not take dried tissue. There are many salves available that seal in
Question: Is it possible to steer clear of getting a cold not uncommon to feel tired and depressed for several paracetamol tablets as well. There have been some moisture by providing a barrier on the surface and pre-
or flu? weeks following a bad bout of influenza. The good news cases of people accidentally overdosing in this way, not venting evaporation. They will help to soothe chapped
Answer: You can lessen your chances of getting is that this will usually pass as you regain your strength realising that the different medicines they were taking all lips and with constant use will prevent recurrence of
these infections, although there’s no sure way of avoid- – and a healthy, balanced diet and plenty of early nights contained paracetamol. chapping.
ing them. The viruses can be spread by contact and can soon help you on the road to recovery and boost Question: Do throat pastilles cure a sore throat? Question: I suffer from eczema and find it worse in
through droplets in the air from sneezes and coughs your immune system. Answer: No, but they can relieve discomfort. Throat the colder weather. Is there anything I can do to help my
from people suffering from them. Avoiding crowds can If your appetite has not yet returned to normal, try eat- lozenges contain different ingredients. Non-medication symptoms?
help although this may be impossible to do. ing small, light meals at first. A course of multi vitamins, lozenges contain syrupy ingredients – sugar, honey or Answer: Yes. The best way to help yourself is to
Colds and flu are more prevalent in winter because available from your local pharmacy, may also perk you glycerine – which coat the irritated membranes at the look after your skin, both inside and out! You may have
people tend to spend more time indoors with little fresh up. Describe your symptoms and how you are feeling back of your throat and keep it lubricated to aid natural already done this, but try to identify and avoid sub-
air circulating. So get some fresh air if you can – if you to your pharmacist who can then recommend a suitable healing. They provide temporary relief for about an hour. stances, materials or chemicals that may be triggering
work in a stuffy office, try to get some air circulating. As product. Generally, you should try to take things easy, Anaesthetic throat lozenges contain an ingredient to the eczema.
germs are also spread by contact one of the best ways because rest is a natural aid to recovery – so do not try help relieve the soreness by numbing the nerve endings Always make sure you keep your skin clean and
to prevent a cold or flu is to wash your hands frequently, to do too much too soon. Eventually, you will feel better in the throat. But again, the relief is only temporary. healthy. An additional supplement of vitamins and
and to keep them away from your eyes, nose and and able to cope with your normal routine and lifestyle, Antiseptic throat lozenges can help to kill bacteria but, minerals may help. It is also very important to keep your
mouth. but if your tiredness persists you should see your doc- as most sore throats are caused by a virus, antiseptic skin moisturised – ideally with special emollients avail-
Keep your resistance up by eating a balanced diet tor. treatments will not cure the infection. Ask your phar- able from the pharmacy. Alternatively, use an unper-
and getting adequate sleep. Your pharmacist can help Question: My boyfriend has come down with a bad macist to recommend a suitable throat lozenge to treat fumed moisturiser for the bath and a similar body lotion
you get better when you’re ill, but what is less well cold and wants to take a painkiller to relieve some of your symptoms. or cream afterwards.
the symptoms. He has Viral infections usually clear up on their own – and a You need to aim to keep your skin in good condition
recently been diagnosed sore throat is rarely a cause for serious concern. Most and help prevent it becoming dry or irritated which can
with a stomach ulcer and cases improve within a few days, however see your bring on or aggravate the condition. Where possible,
has been told not to take doctor if: wear clothing made from natural materials, such as cot-
aspirin. Is this right and, Your sore throat continues for more than five days. ton, which let your skin breath.
if so, what other types of You are suffering from a recurring sore throat. In winter we understandably cover up more so it is
painkiller can he take? There are yellow or white spots on the back of your important to wear items that let the air circulate properly
Answer: Anyone with throat. around the skin.
a stomach ulcer or with You develop earache.
a history of indigestion You have difficulty breathing.
should not take aspirin The glands in the neck are swollen.
HELPING YOU TO HELP or another painkiller, Question: I constantly suffer from chapped lips
Colds & Flu?
ibuprofen. This is because – winter and summer alike. Why is this and what can I
YOURSELF TO HEALTHCARE both these painkillers can do about it?
Aches &
Pulteneytown
irritate the stomach lining Answer: Both cold windy weather and hot baking
and can cause stomach sun can cause the lips to dry out, so it is unsurprising
bleeding, especially if they that you have the problem whatever the season. If left
Pains?
Pharmacy are taken without food. untreated and exposed, lips can crack and peel and
We dispense good
IAN SMITH M.R. Pharm.S. advice and the best
Suppliers of remedy for all your
AROMATHERAPY OILS AND
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES HEALTHCARE? healthcare needs
Also a full range of products to help you
STOP SMOKING - Gums, Patches, Inhalers
etc., all available without prescription WE CARE SUTHERLAND’S
PHARMACY
Incontinence and Ostomy Equipment
When you have a health problem and are faced by a bewildering array
Health Aids for the disabled and elderly of medication, you can trust our pharmacist to advise on the best
Open Monday to Friday products to treat your ailment or to direct you to the relevant
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. professional.
and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. WE ALSO OFFER HELP, ADVICE AND A HOST OF PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU TO 13 TRAILL STREET, THURSO
disab Saturday STOP SMOKING – FOR GOOD!
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. AT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY PHARMACY ON THE HIGH STREET
KW14 8EJ
HELP Open
also open local holidays Telephone: 01847 892011
IS AT
HAND
and
Come and visit our new REID’S Andrew Paterson, M.R. Pharm. S.
look pharmacy for
expert help and advice
also
on healthcare
PHARMACY & OPENING HOURS:
7 Macarthur Street,
PERFUMERY Monday to Saturday – 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Wick. Tel: 602005 WE ARE PLEASED TO DELIVER TO
OUR ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUND
CUSTOMERS.
DISABLED ACCESS
W We deliver to the
eldeelderly and disabled 112 High Street, Wick Easy Access facilities available
when required Your local pharmacist can supply you with all you need to treat a cold or flu, and Telephone: 01955 602053
is able to offer some good advice as well.
