How to Tell if its a Cold or the Flu

What is influenza?

Influenza is a serious viral infection that causes the death of many New Zealanders each year. A cold is also caused by a virus, but is self-limiting. This means that although it is inconvenient and makes you feel miserable, it rarely causes any serious conditions to develop before the cold eases after about a week.

Common symptoms of both the flu and a cold include a cough, sore throat and tiredness. The flu is usually always accompanied by a high temperature lasting several days, whereas with a cold the temperature, if raised, is only at the initial stages of the infection. Headaches are very common with the flu, as is profound tiredness and aching limbs both severe and prolonged for several days, if not longer.

Treatment of influenza

Generally with a cold the sore throat, congested sinuses and a hacking cough are the most prominent symptoms – starting with the sore throat, then as time goes by the congested sinuses and cough develop. Usually the onset of symptoms is gradual.

When you get the flu the first symptom occurs very suddenly - usually a high temperature, headaches, extreme body aches and feeling completely exhausted. Those that have suffered from influenza will generally volunteer to have an annual flu vaccination from then on in order to lessen the possibility of feeling so dreadful again.

In order to treat influenza, there are medicines specifically available to prevent the infection worsening, if treated at once. See your doctor or community pharmacist the moment symptoms develop, as they can be prescribed or purchased over the counter at a pharmacy.

Shop flu treatment

Symptoms

To treat the common cold, you need to seek treatment for each symptom, as specific anti-cold medicines or vaccinations are not available. No antibiotics will help a viral infection, so if bothered by a cough, blocked nose, sore throat and other symptoms of a cold, your community pharmacy can provide symptomatic relief for you and your family.

If the only symptom is a sore throat, then there is a possibility that a ‘strep’ or other bacterial infection is affecting the throat or tonsils. These bacterial infections should be promptly treated by antibiotics, especially when they occur in children. Untreated bacterial throat infections may cause infections or travel to the heart or other parts of the body and cause serious conditions later on. It is important to be urgently referred to a doctor for antibiotics to treat the infection.

Cold and flu treatment

Colds and flu share some symptoms it is easy to confuse the two, as they both occur more frequently in winter. However, you cannot prevent catching a cold. Vaccination against seasonal influenza is available each year and is given by injection. In New Zealand, those more at risk of serious health consequences from the flu are offered flu vaccine; but others can choose to pay to be vaccinated at their doctor’s surgery or at a community pharmacy that has been trained to give vaccinations.

Consult your community pharmacist if you are unsure if you or your family may have a cold, the flu or a sore throat in order to ensure that the correct treatment is used to help assist a speedy recovery.  

COLD & FLU PRODUCTS

Livon Lypospheric Vitamin C Box Of 30

Life Pharmacy Orewa

How Is It Different From Other Oral Vitamin C? Most forms of oral Vitamin C (powders, capsules, tablets, liquids and even the Vitamin C from your food) are not efficiently processed and absorbed by...

Price $64.99

Sudafed Sinus & Nasal PSE Decongestant 12 Tablets

Life Pharmacy Orewa

This Medicine is Pharmacist Only Medicine. To purchase a Pharmacist Only medicine, one of our Pharmacist's is required to contact you via phone or email to ensure it is the right product for you, ...

Price $25.99

Mucinex Chesty Cough Tablets 10's

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Mucinex is a widely-available over the counter product used to clear chest congestion and break up mucus in airways. It is available in multiple forms and strength levels, notably tablets and liqui...

Price $19.99

Xlear Nasal Spray 45Ml

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Our secret is the patented, natural saline spray containing xylitol-an ingredient which cleanses and moisturizes. Normal saline nasal sprays can dry out the nasal passage, actually leaving it more...

Price $31.99

Lemsip Cough Max For Mucus Lemon Flavour Sachet 10S

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your healthcare professional. Description Each sachet contains 1000mg of paracetamol 12.2mg of phenylep...

Price $19.99

Sudafed Sudafed Pe Nasal Decongestant

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Get relief from sinus pressure and congestion by reducing swollen nasal passages. Non–Drowsy Formula Available in packs of 10,20,24 & 48 ?Lactose Free ?Gluten Free ?Alcohol Free ?Saccharin So...

Price $23.99

Neilmed Sinus Rinse Kit With 60 Packets

Life Pharmacy Orewa

NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ is an easy squeeze bottle system that allows you to deliver the saline solution with positive pressure to clean the nasal passages thoroughly, while maintaining your head in a...

Price $37.99

Neilmed Sinugator

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Neilmed Sinugator Cordless Pulsating NasalWash with 30 Premixed Packets USED FOR Post Nasal Drip Nasal Dryness from Occupational and House Dust, Fumes, Animal Dander, Grass, Pollen and Smoke ADVAN...

Price $59.99

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