So...Cold or Flu?

Colds symptoms usually appear gradually and may include a hacking or phlegmy cough, sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, mild headache, and sometime slight aches, low grade fever and mild chest discomfort.  Influenza or flu  on the other had comes on more suddenly and may include a dry, non-phlegmy cough, moderate to severe headache, high fever moderate to severe tiredness, chest discomfort and severe aches. Of course, nowadays we also must consider COVID in the mix. To help you figure it out we now sell quad RAT tests. These test will identify if you have COVID, Influenza A or B or RSV. This way you can know for sure and you can get the right treatment.

Cold Treatment

Unfortunately colds, flu and COVID are caused by viruses, so can’t be treated with antibiotics. You can treat the symptoms with throat lozenges for sore throats, cough mixtures for coughs and nasal sprays for stuffy noses amongst other things. Your best bet is to check with your friendly pharmacist about what might suit you. As well as checking you don’t have a more serious bacterial infection and need a trip to the doctor.

Antivirals for Flu and COVID

If you have tested positive for the influenza virus, you are able to purchase an anti-viral medication called Tamiflu that will lessen the severity of the illness. If you are over 65 years old and have tested positive for COVID, you can access the antiviral called Paxlovid. Call one of our pharmacists for details on either of these medicines.

Natural Therapies

There are also natural health remedies to consider. They may help to decrease the severity of the cold or flu and decrease the length of time of your illness. Echinacea is now one of the most recognized herbal supplements used in the treatment of colds and flu. Zinc and vitamin C and D are also well known for their immune boosting properties.  You can find these ingredients in easily chewable, tasty kid’s formulas or combination capsules for adults.