Whats are colds and flu?

Colds and flu are caused by viruses. These viruses work by getting into your body, attacking your cells and using them to build more identical copies of themselves. This causes the familiar miserable symptoms of colds and flu, such as a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a high temperature. Antibiotics don't work against viruses, and there is nothing you can do to cure a cold or flu. You have to wait for your body to fight and destroy the virus itself. However, you can relieve the symptoms and make yourself feel more comfortable while your body fights the virus. Ask your pharmacist for advice on treating the symptoms of colds and flu.

How to treat the symptoms of colds and flu

+ Breathing in steam from a hot shower, in the bath or from a basin can help ease a blocked nose, stuffiness and a sore throat. You can also put inhalant drops in the water.

+ Try drinking hot water with lemon juice and honey in it.

+ Keep your vitamin C and zinc levels up as experts think these help your body to fight infections.

+ Make sure that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

+ Your pharmacist has remedies that relieve symptoms such as aches and pains, a high temperature, sneezing, blocked noses and coughing. These will help you sleep better, so your body will be more able to fight the infection.


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