subject: How to treat coughs and colds [print this page] How to treat coughs and colds How to treat coughs and colds
Suffering from a runny nose, sneezing, a headache or feeling tired is common during the winter months. The colder weather means that people's immune systems are weakened and the 100 different cold viruses can spread like wildfire.
Unfortunately, despite all the great advances in medicine, we still have yet to develop a cure for the common cold and flu. Normally the symptoms aren't anything to worry about, and will pass within a week. There are, however, ways you can avoid catching a cold and medication you can use to relieve the symptoms:
Wash your hands regularly The cold virus can be spread whenever someone with a cold rubs their nose or mouth then touching a surface, like a door handle. You can then become infected if you touch the same surface and then touch your own nose or mouth. So it's a good idea to wash your hands with antibacterial soap whenever using a public bathroom, when you get home from work and before preparing food.
Drink plenty of fluids As well as soothing, drinking warm drinks will help replenish fluids lost from a constantly running nose.
Sleep with your head high on the pillow This will stop phlegm from accumulating in the back of your throat which can then cause you to lose sleep and get a sore throat from having to keep swallowing throughout the night.
Don't smoke This can irritate the mucous membrane of the nose further, so it's a good idea to stop smoking at least until the cold passes.
Go to see your pharmacy Pharmacies sell a wide range of over the counter medications that can relieve the symptoms of colds and flu, including decongestants to clear your blocked nose, painkillers for your headache and cough syrup. Just remember not to take more than one cough or cold remedy at the same time. Many contain the same active ingredient so you can risk exceeding the recommended dose if you're not careful.
Don't give cough or cold medication to children under 6 The guidelines on administering medication to young children were recently changed due to the lack of evidence that they helped despite causing side effects. Instead they should be given plenty of fluids and rest. Babies can be give saline drops to relieve congestion if they're having trouble eating.
If you'd like any more advice on medication or cold remedies, pop down to your local pharmacy and they'll be happy to give you expert advice.
Article contributed by All About Health a resource of health advice and information that aims to spread awareness on the health services (such as weight management, stopping smoking and cholesterol screening) available in your local pharmacy.
