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Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
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Influenza (the flu) is caused by a virus. It usually starts suddenly and can be extremely debilitating, especially in those with ongoing medical conditions and in elderly people, although anyone can be badly affected. Influenza can lead to serious complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Influenza usually lasts about one week, although some symptoms may linger, such as a cough and fatigue. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person, through coughing or sneezing of infected people (unlike the cold which is spread by hand to hand contact).
People tend to get the flu in winter, and people who have a 'common cold' may think they have the flu, but the flu usually causes extra symptoms such as a fever, and joint aches and pains. Some comparisons are given below.
Symptoms of influenza
a high fever (39 to 40°C); this is rare with a common cold
muscle and joint aches and pains; these are unusual with a common cold
extreme tiredness and weakness, which is much more severe than with a common cold; people with the flu often say they can barely move and need to stay in bed
severe headache; this may occur with a cold, but is usually mild
painful, red or watery eyes
a cough; usually dry, or non-productive (not coughing up phlegm)
a sore throat and runny or blocked nose
Influenza vaccination
An influenza vaccination is available each year in the autumn; contact your doctor or health clinic. Each year the vaccine changes to cover the most common types of influenza virus circulating for that season, so an annual vaccination is usually recommended.
The vaccine is available free each year for some people (e.g. those over 65 years and people under 65 years with certain medical conditions).
Other groups that are strongly advised to receive the vaccine yearly include pregnant women who will be in the second or third trimester during the flu season, and residents of nursing homes.
The flu vaccine does not cause the flu as it is not a ‘live’ vaccine, though it may cause a fever, headache or tiredness.
Swine flu (novel influenza A [H1N1])
symptoms of swine flu are the same as those of 'normal' influenza
viral typing (undertaken by a laboratory) is the only way to distinguish between swine flu and 'normal' flu
anybody can catch swine flu, not just people who have travelled overseas
it is not spread by eating pork
symptoms of swine flu can vary from mild to severe, as can symptoms of 'normal' influenza
most people have recovered from the virus without any problems
hygiene measures to reduce spread are the same as for influenza
the annual influenza vaccine does not protect against swine flu; however, a pandemic vaccination program is available for those at high risk (pregnant women, the indigenous population, those with chronic disease and health care workers)
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
Seek urgent medical advice if you or the person you are caring for:
has difficulty breathing or chest pain
has purple or blue discolouration of the lips
is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
has a skin rash, neck stiffness or aching muscles
has blood stained sputum when coughing
has signs of dehydration such as drowsiness, increased thirst, dry skin, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
is less responsive than normal or becomes confused
Meningitis
Meningitis is a medical emergency that can cause permanent disability and death. It involves the inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis is a different infection from the flu, but as there can be some similar symptoms, it is important to be aware of the signs.
It is important to be aware that the vaccination available does not cover all types of meningitis, and a rash does not always appear.
Meningitis can affect infants, children and adults.
Meningitis can occur very suddenly and requires immediate medical treatment. See a doctor urgently or call 000 for ambulance.
Speak to your pharmacist or medical professional (it is preferable to phone them first):
if the person with flu is under 12 years old, or elderly
if you have a very high fever (39°C or above)
if you have a severe headache, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck or a rash
if you are vomiting or have diarrhoea
if you are not eating or drinking
if your symptoms have not improved in two days or have not completely disappeared after one week
if your cough is productive, with coloured mucus or phlegm
if you have recently travelled overseas
if you have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure
if you take other medicines; sometimes flu symptoms may indicate a serious side effect of a medicine
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as you may need to avoid certain medicines; check with your pharmacist
Treatment Tips
take your temperature every four to six hours
drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, electrolyte beverages especially for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
stay home if you get sick, preferably in bed, for a few days to let your body recover (some people will need longer to recover)
influenza is contagious, so limit contact with others and do not go to work or send children to school until you or they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours
cover your nose and mouth with a tissue rather than a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, and discard tissues in the rubbish after a single use
wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand gels are also effective
avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs are easily spread that way
Treatment Options
some flu medicines relieve symptoms and others stop the flu virus becoming worse
only take combination treatments which contain medicines that treat the symptoms you have
cold and flu medicines can have the same ingredients as cough mixtures and pain relievers, so always check ingredients to avoid double dosing
Oral pain relievers (analgesics); also for treating fever
[GENERAL SALE] e.g. paracetamol, packets of 24 or fewer (Panadol), sachets (Lemsip Max, Lemsip Original Lemon, Panadol Cold & Flu Max/Hot Lemon)
paracetamol is a safe choice for most people but it is important not to take more than recommended
paracetamol is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies, so be careful not to double dose if taking more than one product
the maximum daily dose for an adult is 4 g (4000 mg), and no more than 1 g (1000 mg) every four hours.
see manufacturer’s directions for children’s doses (dose by weight for children)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin
[GENERAL SALE] e.g. aspirin (Aspro range, Disprin range), ibuprofen, packets of 24 or fewer (Advil, Nurofen, Panafen IB, Tri-Profen)
[PHARMACY ONLY] e.g. ibuprofen (larger pack sizes) (Nurofen, Panafen IB), ibuprofen suspension (Dimetapp Children’s/Infant’s Suspension, iProfen Suspension for Children, Nurofen for Children)
paracetamol, aspirin and NSAIDs relieve pain and reduce fever (high temperature)
take regularly, usually every four to six hours (check product dosage), while you are ill
paracetamol and NSAIDs can be used together as they work differently (they are usually given at different times; ask your pharmacist for dosing advice)
see manufacturer’s directions for children’s doses (dose by weight for children)
Aspirin and NSAIDs are not suitable for everyone. Children under 12 years old must not take aspirin because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition. It should also be avoided by adolescents under 16 years old who have a viral illness.
Check with your pharmacist before taking aspirin or NSAIDs if you:
have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
have asthma; some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines
have kidney problems or a heart condition
take other medications
have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are dehydrated
Sometimes aspirin and NSAIDs can cause side effects. It is important to take these products with a glass of water and food to minimise heartburn. If you develop indigestion, or unusual or increased bleeding or bruising, stop taking them and talk to your pharmacist.
Liquid cough suppressants (antitussives)
[GENERAL SALE] e.g. dextromethorphan (Strepsils Cough Relief, Vicks Formula 44 for Dry Coughs)
[PHARMACY ONLY] e.g. pholcodine (Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular and Forte), dextromethorphan (Benadryl for the Family Dry Forte, Robitussin DX Dry Cough Forte, Bisolvon Dry Oral Liquid)
customers may be asked for identification as part of regulatory requirements and/or the Project Stop program before supply. This is to stop diversion of these tablets into illicit substances*
customers may be asked for identification as part of regulatory requirements and/or the Project Stop program before supply. This is to stop diversion of these tablets into illicit substances*
Decongestant + analgesic + antihistamine
[PHARMACY ONLY] e.g. Demazin PE Cold & Flu Relief Day & Night Tablets (contain codeine), Dimetapp PE Sinus Day + Night Tablets, Sudafed PE Sinus + Allergy & Pain Relief Tablets, Sudafed PE Sinus Day + Night Relief
customers may be asked for identification as part of regulatory requirements and/or the Project Stop program before supply. This is to stop diversion of these tablets into illicit substances*
customers may be asked for identification as part of regulatory requirements and/or the Project Stop program before supply. This is to stop diversion of these tablets into illicit substances*
customers may be asked for identification as part of regulatory requirements and/or the Project Stop program before supply. This is to stop diversion of these tablets into illicit substances*
[PRESCRIPTION ONLY] e.g. Dimetapp DM Paediatric Drops
these contain a range of ingredients, including antibacterial agents to prevent bacterial infection, local anaesthetics to numb your throat or local anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and reduce redness
if you are allergic to local anaesthetic check with your pharmacist
local anaesthetics numb your mouth so be careful when having hot food or drinks
avoid use during pregnancy or in young children
Antiviral agents
[PRESCRIPTION ONLY] e.g. oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza)
these medicines help prevent the flu virus spreading in your body
they may reduce the severity of symptoms and speed recovery, if they are taken early enough
they are not recommended for the routine prevention of influenza (flu vaccination is used for this purpose)
More Information
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
PRESCRIPTION ONLY available only with a doctor’s prescription.
*Pseudoephedrine products may not be available at all pharmacies.
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