Whether you love or hate dark nights and cold, crisp mornings in Glenrothes, the dawn of winter signals one thing for sure – the beginning of the yearly cold and flu season. Each year, the NHS deals with a surge in flu cases during the winter months. Therefore, it’s vital to be aware of key flu symptoms, as well as how to prevent and treat flu in Glenrothes to protect yourself and others.
With COVID-19 also posing a threat to vulnerable populations and the NHS this winter, it’s more important than ever to stay alert and do what we can to lessen the impact of flu season. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you prevent, identify and treat flu.
What are the main symptoms of flu?
Since the symptoms of cold, flu and COVID-19 can be quite similar, it’s vital to know the key tell-tale signs of flu.
The main identifying symptoms of flu include:
– A high body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
– Feeling weak or very tired
– Headache
– General bodily aches and pains
– A chesty, dry cough
Various other cold-like symptoms including a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and sore throat can also be caused by flu. However, these do tend to be less severe than the primary symptoms listed above.
What is the best way to treat flu in Glenrothes?
The best way to treat flu at home is by using over the counter medications to ease your symptoms, whilst giving your body the time it needs to recover.
If you’re otherwise healthy, the NHS recommends:
– Rest at home
– Ensure you stay warm
– Drink plenty of water to prevent and combat dehydration
– Take over the counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed
If you’re over the age of 65, are pregnant, or if you have a long-term health condition or weakened immune system, you should consider paying a visit to your GP. Your doctor will be able to assess whether you might benefit from additional antiviral medication to aid your recovery and prevent complications.
If your symptoms keep getting more severe, haven’t shown signs of improvement within a week, or if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or are coughing up blood, you should also consult your GP.
Where can I find out which treatments are best for me?
Using the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme is a quick and convenient way to identify whether you’re dealing with flu, and what treatments might help. The Minor Ailments Scheme allows participating pharmacies to provide free consultations for a range of minor health conditions, including cold and flu.
If you’re a Glenrothes resident, you can book an appointment at Cadham Pharmacy for expert, tailored advice on which over the counter medications will be most beneficial to treat your flu symptoms. If you usually get free NHS prescriptions, the Minor Ailments Scheme also allows pharmacies like ours to prescribe these medications free of charge.
What is the most effective way to prevent flu?
Although flu is not life-threatening in most cases, it can be very unpleasant. What’s more, it’s important to do everything we can to prevent catching and spreading flu to friends, family and other individuals with compromised immune functioning. The most effective way to prevent flu is to get the flu vaccine.
You can find out more about why you need your flu vaccine here:
Who can get a free flu vaccine?
A range of groups are eligible for free flu vaccination on the NHS, including:
– People who will be aged 50 or older before March 31st, 2022
– People with certain health conditions (including diabetes, obesity or a heart condition)
– Individuals who live in long-term residential care
– Pregnant women
– People who receive a carer’s allowance, or who act as the main carer for someone who is clinically at risk
– Those who live with someone who is at a higher risk of infection (for example, a person who has HIV or lupus)
– Frontline healthcare workers, including people employed by a hospice, nursing home or residential care home
Even if you do not fall into one of the above groups, many pharmacies are happy to offer private flu vaccinations at a small cost. At Cadham Pharmacy in Glenrothes, we run a private flu vaccination clinic, with vaccines priced at £15 each.
Where can I get further advice on how to prevent and treat flu?
Give us a call at Cadham Pharmacy in Glenrothes if you need advice from an expert pharmacist. We will be happy to help you find the best over the counter medications to treat your symptoms and treat flu in Glenrothes.
Alternatively, why not book an appointment for our flu vaccination or minor ailment clinic quickly and conveniently using our online booking calendar?
