From headaches to stuffy noses, aches and fevers - the flu brings with it a number of unfortunate symptoms. Our Clicks pharmacists share their recommendations on how to best treat each flu symptom.
Headache
Start with basic paracetamol. If you find no relief, speak to your Clicks pharmacist about stronger pills containing codeine, ibuprofen or a combination of these.
Cough
Suitable cough mixture that may include an expectorant for wet coughs, or a suppressant for dry coughs. Some people may need a cough syrup with a bronchodilator if the chest feels tight.
Sore throat
Try throat sprays (either natural or allopathic), throat gargles and lozenges.
Runny or stuffy nose
An anti-histamine on its own or combined with a decongestant should relieve most runny or stuffy noses.
Diarrhea and vomiting
It's important to stay hydrated if you experience diarrhea or vomiting. Take anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoeal pills (chat to your pharmacist), probiotics, electrolyte supplements, charcoal-containing tablets and, for infants, kaolin and pectin mixtures.
Fever
Physically cool the patient with water, a damp cloth or by making them sit in a cool breeze. Fever-reducing medicine such as paracetamol will also help bring down a fever.
Body aches
Take paracetamol or speak to your pharmacist about an anti-inflammatory-type tablet for muscle pain.
Chills
It’s a good idea to take a lukewarm – not cold – shower. Take fever-reducing medicine such as paracetamol.
Fatigue
Multivitamins and/or energy supplements will help alleviate feelings of general fatigue.
It's not too late to get vaccinated
Annual flu shots are important, especially if you’re pregnant, 65 years or older, asthmatic, diabetic, suffer from lung, heart, blood, kidney or liver disorders, or have HIV/Aids or cancer, as the risk of serious complications from flu is higher.“It’s never too late in the year,” says Clicks pharmacist, Waheed Abdurahman.
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