Coughs & Colds

• Coughing
• Runny or Stuffed Up Nose
• Sore Throat
• High Temperature
• Mucous, usually green
• General feeling of being unwell

Colds generally last from 10-14 days.

Coughs can persist for up to 4 weeks.

• Drink plentry of fluids;
• Use a steam inhaler or a towel over a bowl of hot water to loosen secretions and clear blocked nasal passages. This is not advised for small children as there is a risk of scalding;
• Avoid smoking or smokey atmospheres;
• Add honey and lemon to suitable drinks to soothe sore throats;
• Prop up the head of the matress with extra pillows.

If in doubt, discuss over-the-counter medication with your pharmacist.

• Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used togther to control pain and fevers;
• Decongestants, both oral and nasal, can be used to help clear blocked passageways;
• Antihistamines can help to 'dry up' excess secretions;
• Vitamin C and Zinc supplements in small doses can help;
• Some people have found the herbal remedy Echinacea helps, although this should not be used for children.

• High temperature (over 39^o C / 102^oF) for more than 6 days in adults or 2 days in children;
• Coughing up blood;
• Blue lips;
• Excessive dribbling at the mouth in children;
• Difficulty breathing, painful to breathe or shortage of breath
• If asthmatic, wheezing or shortage or breath that doesn't respond to your usual treatment;
• Feeling drowsy or confused;