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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
Difflam Forte Antiinflammatory Throat Spray 15ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Difflam FORTE Anti-Inflammatory Throat Spray For the relief of painful conditions of the mouth and throat Including: Tonsillitis, Sore Throat Radiation Mucositis, Aphthous ulcers Pharyngitis,...
$29.99 Earn 30 points Living Reward Points
Codral Cold Flu Tablets 48 Pack
Life Pharmacy Orewa
New Formula Codral Cold & Flu+Cough is non-drowsy and ideal for headaches and fever, blocked/runny nose and body aches and pains. Dosage How many 2 tablets How often Every 4-6 hours as n...
$34.99 Earn 35 points Living Reward Points
Otrivin Adult 0.1% Nasal Spray 10Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Otrivin Nasal Spray Adult clears blocked noses.Size10mLDirections- Before first use, remove protective cap and press applicator until an even spray is produced.- Blow nose gently to clear.- Insert ...
$12.99 $14.99 Earn 13 points Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
PHARMACIST ONLY MEDICINE Pharmacist assistance is necessary for the purchase of this product. Our dedicated pharmacists will carefully review the information you provide and may reach out to you by...
$24.99 Earn 25 points Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Elderberry + Vitamin C + Zinc 250Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Harker Herbals Elderberry + Vitamin C + Zinc is a liquid dietary supplement that contains elderberry fruit extract, vitamin C, and zinc. Elderberry is traditionally used for supporting the immune s...
$43.99 Earn 44 points Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Ear, Nose And Throat Tonic 100Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Harkers ears nose and throat is a go to tonic for thousands of New Zealanders when battling winter ills and chills. This classic herbal blend focuses on the upper respiratory tract, helping clear ...
$23.99 Earn 24 points Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Vitamin C+ Echinacea 200Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
High strength Echinacea fortified with Vitamin C (550mg per dose) and the recommended daily intake of Zinc. The combination of antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in this formula provides p...
$42.99 Earn 43 points Living Reward Points
Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Hot Drink With Decongestant Lemon 10 Pack
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Use this Lemsip for temporary relief of: Blocked or Runny Nose, Headache & Fever, Sore Throat, Body Aches & Pains, Non-drowsy. Contains Paracetamol. Keep out of reach of children. Does not...
$22.99 Earn 23 points Living Reward Points
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