Overview
A cold or the flu is caused by viruses. Generally a broad range of symptoms, including a runny or blocked nose, fever, aches and pains, sore throat and coughing present themselves. It is important to remember that antibiotics will not be effective unless a bacterial infection arises. In these cases there are products available that minimise the side effects of antibiotic use.
As with most sicknesses, if you or a family member are sick with a cold or the flu, remember that it is always important to eat healthily, drink lots of fluids and get a decent amount of rest.
Cold & Flu Symptoms
Cough
Got a cough?
During a cold or flu, coughs are often an annoying and sometimes painful symptom that generally fall into two categories – chesty or dry.
Chesty coughs are often called ‘productive’ as they actively bring mucus up off the chest. Chesty cough mixtures can be used to treat this type of cough as they thin out the mucus and make it easier to expel.
Dry (or tickly) coughs on the other hand are commonly termed ‘non-productive’ as they originate from irritation in the throat and do not produce mucus. When a dry cough is present, it is safe to take a cough suppressant, which will subdue the irritating nature of the cough without trapping mucus in the chest (as there is none present).
It is important to know which type of cough you have as taking the wrong medication can be dangerous. If you are unsure of your symptoms it is always best to contact a health professional for advice.
Pain and Fever
Pain and/or fever are symptoms that often accompany a cold or flu.
Pain is generally caused by muscular aches, sinus congestion/inflammation, throat pain and headache while fever is characterised by a rise in body temperature and can result in shivering and excess sweat production. Both symptoms can be treated with analgesic medications. Suffering from pain or fever? Shop Pain & Fever
If fever is present, remaining well hydrated is also extremely important. To ensure this, sip water (or oral re-hydration salts) slowly and consistently throughout the day.
Some tablet preparations commonly known as cold and flu tablets combine medications to reduce pain, fever and congestion.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is often present during a bout of cold or flu and can be treated directly with nasal decongestant products such as nasal sprays, washes and oral pills.
Nasal congestion is also a common symptom of allergic rhinitis (hayfever). If you experience allergy related symptoms regularly (or seasonally) and aren’t sure whether your nasal congestion is a result of a cold, flu or hayfever you can always contact a health professional for advice.
Sore Throat
A sore throat associated with other cold and flu symptoms can be treated directly with throat lozenges, gargles and throat sprays. If you have an isolated sore throat with no other cold and flu symptoms and/or a high fever, you may require medical examination for tonsillitis.
Suffering with a sore throat? Shop Sore Throat
Cold & Flu Treatment Options
Cold and flu often leaves us feeling run down and at times, symptom based relief is not enough for the body to recover quickly. Michael’s Chemist stocks a variety of additional products that may assist in the treatment of cold and flu.
Feeling run down and tired of dealing with a cold or the flu? Michael’s Health Care Chemist offers a range of products to treat you and the whole family.
Know what you want? Shop All Cold & Flu
Learn More
Want to know more? Michael’s Chemist is committed to providing you with the best health care experience available.
If you would like to learn more about a product or condition, please don’t hesitate to contact us at either our Claremont, Wembley or North Perth stores.
