Estimates indicate that a significant number of individuals in the UK have fallen sick in the early part of September. Boots pharmacist Sanjay Nathwani has highlighted the emergence of various illnesses as the Autumn season commences.
Nathwani mentioned, “With children back in school for a couple of weeks now, we are observing an increase in ailments affecting both children and parents due to the back-to-school period. Recognizing the challenge for parents to seek medical advice when unwell, we want to remind the public that pharmacists like myself are available for assistance.
He added, “The scope of our responsibilities has significantly widened in recent times – we are now capable of diagnosing, providing guidance, and offering treatment for a broad spectrum of conditions, ranging from simple colds and coughs to more complex issues such as blood pressure checks, menopause, UTIs, and others.”
Data from Boots reveals that around a third of adults (32%) experience illnesses following the summer season, often contracting colds (37%), coughs (29%), and flu (16%) from school-going children. The NHS outlines the symptoms of cold and flu:
Typically, cold symptoms manifest gradually, accompanied by sensations of ear and facial pressure, muscle aches, fever, and a diminished sense of taste and smell. Cold management usually involves self-care practices such as adequate fluid intake and rest.
In case of a blocked nose, inhaling steam can provide relief. For a sore throat, remedies like gargling salt water or consuming a warm lemon and honey beverage may be beneficial.
In contrast, flu symptoms typically appear suddenly and may include:
For individuals with flu, staying warm, getting ample sleep and rest, and using medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and alleviate aches are recommended. It is crucial to avoid combining paracetamol with other flu medications containing paracetamol to prevent accidental overdosing and to maintain hydration levels.
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