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GPhC reg. no. 1120610
All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
There are three different types of Influenza: A, B and C. The most serious is type A influenza, which has the most acute symptoms. Type A outbreaks occur every two to three years. Type B influenza is similar to type A, but the symptoms are not as acute. Type B outbreaks occur every four to five years. Type C Influenza is the least serious of the three and its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold.
When a person has flu, their body temperature increases, sometimes to as much as to 40 C. This fever is often accompanied by aching joints and muscles, by headaches, a feeling of fatigue, a dry cough, a runny nose and a sore throat.
Usually, contracting flu is nothing that you should feel concerned about. The body’s immune system will kick in and fight the virus effectively. Older people and those with asthma, kidney of heart disease, however, should certainly be vaccinated against the virus.
Drinking lots of fluid and taking plenty of rest will help the body to fight off the virus, and the fever can be reduced by taking paracetamol or aspirin.
Antibiotics will not help. Flu is a virus, not a bacterial infection, so antibiotics will not do anything. The only time that antibiotics might be required is if complications develop, such as a chest infection.
People who are deemed as being ‘at risk’ of contracting flu such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are usually vaccinated against the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine is, however, a ‘best guess’ of what the flu virus will be. There are currently no vaccines available for the Swine flu that is affecting Mexico, though it is likely that a vaccine for this strain of the flu virus will be available before the European flu season begins.
Maintaining a good level of hygiene, washing your hands regularly and disinfecting surfaces, can prevent the flu virus from spreading.
Over the counter remedies are available to relive the symptoms of the flu virus. They are not, however, a cure for it.
If you want a medication that actually combats the flu virus then these are only available on prescription. Relenza or Tamiflu, both anti-viral drugs, can treat symptoms and, if used as a prophylaxis, can stop symptoms from developing in the first case.
