Cough, Cold and Flu FAQS
Is there a difference between the cold and the flu?
Yes, there is. A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and upper airways whereas the flu affects your nose, throat, and sometimes your lungs.
The symptoms are also different. With the flu, you can get aching muscles and loss of appetite; with a cold, you can get a fever, cough, and sore throat.
What should I take if I have a cold?
Colds are very common, and adults may get two to four colds a year. You only need to see your doctor if you have asthma, type 1 or type 2 diabetes or another long-term medical condition.
If you’re healthy, your immune system will fight off the infection, and symptoms will usually clear up in 7-10 days without any treatment.
It’s recommended that you take medication that is available to ease cold and flu symptoms, as well as getting plenty of rest, keeping warm and eating a healthy diet with fruit and vegetables.
What should I take if I have the flu?
If you have the flu, it’s important to start treatment quickly so you can recover faster. A healthy immune system will fight off the influenza virus in your body and you may see yourself getting better within 7 to 10 days without any treatment.
However, if you’re suffering from fever, chills and more, it’s important to rest, drink plenty of water and take medicines that relieve pain and fever so you’re able to rest.
It’s important to vaccinate against the flu every year as influenza strains change over time, and the protection you’re given from the vaccine wears off after 3 to 4 months. You can book your flu vaccination here.
Can I take cold and flu tablets with cough syrup?
Some cough syrups are safe to take with cold and flu tablets, but it’s essential to check with your Pharmacist to make sure you’re not double-dosing on the active ingredients included in both. Your Pharmacist can advise you on what is safe and the best treatment for your symptoms.