Influenza Advice
In most cases, influenza treatment must be done at home. As it is a virus, antibiotics will have no effect, but there are certain things you can do to aid recovery.
• Keep warm, but not too hot, and make sure the room is well ventilated.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat if you feel like it.
• Take regular paracetamol according to the dosage on the label. Remember not to give aspirin to children under 12.
• Take it easy afterwards and do not rush straight back into your usual
routine. You are likely to feel weak and shaky for a couple of weeks.
The Difference between the Cold and the Flu
Most people find it difficult to tell the difference between flu symptoms and cold symptoms. The following table may be able to help you to distinguish between the two and to decide whether or not Tamiflu could be of help to you.
Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
Fever |
Rare |
Present - up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. |
Coughing |
Present – mucous producing |
Present -dry cough/non mucous producing |
Aches&Pains |
Slight. |
Severe |
Nasal Congestion |
Commonly present |
Rare |
Chills |
Rare |
Fairly common - 60% of flu cases include chills. Chills and shivering are a normal reaction to a cold environment, but unexplained chills can also be a sign of the flu. |
Tiredness |
Mild |
Moderate to severe |
Sneezing |
Present |
Rare |
Sudden Symptoms |
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. |
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. |
Headache |
Uncommon |
Very common - present in 80% of flu cases. |
Sore Throat |
Present |
Rare |
Chest Discomfort |
mild to moderate |
Severe |
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If there is a question you would like to put to our doctor that is not covered below, please feel free to email info@prima-med.com
