Post by Sandra on Sept 29, 2009 12:33:50 GMT
It's not necessary to see a doctor when you have a cold or the flu, but what else can you do to make the illness more bearable? There are lots of medicines you can buy over the counter, but there is little evidence to suggest these medicines are very effective. The medicines that do work are aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen. You can also try steam inhalation with some menthol or eucalyptus added to the hot water to aid decongestion. Gargling with salt water can ease sore throats and is supposed to draw out the fluid that causes congestion. Also you need to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and eat healthily - especially chicken soup!
Antiviral medicines are prescribed when flu symptoms are severe or to people over 65 and those with conditions like asthma. These will reduce the length of time you're ill for and make the symptoms bearable.
To prevent flu there is a vaccination that is freely available to people in high-risk groups. Also to prevent colds and flu make sure you wash your hands regularly and always catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue and then bin it.
Antiviral medicines are prescribed when flu symptoms are severe or to people over 65 and those with conditions like asthma. These will reduce the length of time you're ill for and make the symptoms bearable.
To prevent flu there is a vaccination that is freely available to people in high-risk groups. Also to prevent colds and flu make sure you wash your hands regularly and always catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue and then bin it.