When you’ve got a cold or flu rest and plenty of fluids (e.g. water, diluted fruit juice) are important. If you need something more to help ease the symptoms here’s a list of suggestions to pick and choose from:
Fever, Pain and General Unwellness:
· Paracetamol (500mg, 2 tabs every 4 hours)
· Ibuprofen (200mg 1-2 tab 3 times a day OR 800mgSR 1 tab twice a day). (Provided there are no medications or medical conditions where anti-inflammatories should not be used)
Nasal Decongestion
· Otrivin Plus Nasal Spray
· Ipratropium Nasal Spray Use with the head tipped forward
Throat
· Paracetamol or Ibuprofen
· Strepsils Plus
· Difflam Gargle if needed
Cough
Finding relief from a cough can sometimes be difficult. Here are some suggestions which may help:
· Honey – Warm lemon and honey drink.
· Sleep propped up in bed at night
· Gently heat room air at night to take the edge off cold night air
If cough syrup really seems needed, try:
· For throaty coughs – Strepsils Cough Lozenges
· For dry chesty cough – Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Forte (pholcodine) aids cough suppression
· For phlegmy coughs with sticky mucus – Mucinex may aid in softening phlegm and help to cough it out.