HOW TO

PREVENT A COLD

It may sound obvious, but your best bet is to try to keep your distance from infected people as much as you can. Unfortunately this is not always possible, so it’s a good idea to also practice good hygiene.

Viruses that cause the common cold can survive on unwashed hands for up to 2 hours and on surfaces for up to 24 hours. This is why you should wash your hands often with warm water and soap and try to keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth or nose, because if you touch a surface and pick up a virus it can easily enter your body this way.

If you live with someone who has a cold,  avoid sharing towels or household items with them. Ask them to use disposable tissues and throw them in the bin as soon as possible. To further prevent spread of the virus, regularly clean surfaces that everyone in the house touches, such as door handles.

HOW TO

TAKE CARE OF A COLD

The common cold will usually go away on its own in about 7 to 10 days.  In most cases, you can manage the symptoms of a cold yourself, but one thing to keep in mind is that antibiotics are not effective against the cold virus. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections  (and a cold is caused by a virus).

Here are some ways to help relieve your symptoms:

Rest and sleep

Keep warm

Drink adequate fluids to stay hydrated

Gargle with plain or salt water to relieve a sore throat

There are also medications available that are designed to help you relieve the symptoms of a cold. Some are available from your supermarket, while others are available from your local pharmacy. If you are unsure, your pharmacist will be able to help you decide what options can help relieve your symptoms. Medications may include:

• Decongestants which can help unblock a stuffy nose

• Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain or fever you may have.

An important thing to note when deciding on a medication to help your symptoms is to always read the label and use the medication as directed, this is to make sure you are not taking too much of an ingredient that could be harmful. If you are not sure about what to do, check with your pharmacist for advice.

WHEN TO

SEE A DOCTOR

See your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve after three weeks, or if:

Your symptoms suddenly get worse

Your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery

You’re worried about your child’s symptoms

You’re finding it hard to breathe or have chest pains

You have a long term medical condition, such as diabetes, a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease

You are immunocompromised