Colds and flu

Professional Services

Colds and flu are upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses. These viruses are highly contagious and spread easily. The peak cold and flu season in Australia is in winter, between April and October.

Don't let the flu catch you! Protect yourself and your family this flu season.

In most cases, viruses can't be treated, but medicines are available to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Adults usually get 2-4 colds per year and children may get up to 10 colds per year. Colds are usually short-lived and require no prescription treatment, just symptom relief. 

The flu is more severe than a cold and may require referral to a doctor. If detected early, prescription medication may be apropriate to reduce the severity and duration of the infection. Symptom relief is often still required.

Cold and flu viruses affect the nose, sinuses, throat and airways and include symptoms such as runy nose, blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, fever, headache, watery eyes and tiredness. 

If you are unwell and unable to atend work, our pharmacists can assess your condition, provide advice on how to best manage your symptoms and speed up recovery and can provide you with a sick leave certificate. 

 

To book your Sick Leave Certificate appointment, click the booking link  below:

Medicines

It is important to determine which of these symptoms you are experience to select appropriate symptom relief and pharmacists will ensure that any medication recommended is safe for you to take.

Drowsy antihistamines are often recommended to dry a runny nose and a blocked nose is best relieved by a decongestant

A sore throat can be relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen and topical treatments, such as sprays and lozenges, may provide extra relief. An iodine throat gargle will kill most virus and bacteria that cause a sore throat. 

Ideally, a chesty cough should be treated using a mucolytic and expectorant mixture, whereas, dry coughs are more difficult to address. Sucking on lozenges can help provide some relief from dry coughs. 

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are also effective for treating fever and headache. 

Cold and flu preparations contain a combination of these ingredients and are a convenient way of managing symptoms. 

 

Management

To improve your recovery, rest and fluids, such as water or a rehydration solution, are recommended when you have a cold or flu. Pharmacists can provide sick leave certificates if you are not able to attend work. 

 

To book your Sick Leave Certificate appointment with one of our trained pharmacists, click the booking link  below:

 

People who smoke cigarettes get more colds than non-smokers, experience worse symptoms of cold and flu and suffer infections longer. Stopping smoking will reduce your risk of catching colds and flu.

Exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep help prevent viral respiratory tract infections. A strong and healthy immune system will also help to reduce the likelihood of colds and flu.  

The best flu prevention is yearly flu vaccination. Other preventative action recommended includes good hygiene techniques including washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.

 

To book your vaccination with one of our trained pharmacists, click the booking link  below:

 

 

To view our Corporate Flu Vaccination Program please click HERE