DID YOU KNOW?

Your Questions

Q1. Is flu just a bad cold?

ANSWER: No. Cold and Flu are both caused by viruses and although some of the symptoms may be similar the viruses that cause flu are different from those which cause colds. Cold viruses are also in the air all the time, whereas flu viruses tend to come in cycles, leading to epidemics in some years.¹

Q2. What are the symptoms of cold and flu?

ANSWER: Cold symptoms usually include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, tiredness and headache. Flu symptoms are similar to those of a cold but can arise more suddenly and can be more severe. As well as experiencing the cold symptoms listed above, flu sufferers are likely to experience fever followed by shivering and weak or aching muscles, which are normally severe enough to confine you to bed.¹

Q3. How long are the symptoms expected to last?

ANSWER: Symptoms of Cold and Flu vary between individuals depending on their treatment and circumstances but usually last between three and ten days. Symptoms of congestion may persist longer, although symptom relief is available. Click here to see which Lemsip remedy can offer the appropriate symptom relief for you.

Q4. Which people are most likely to suffer from cold and flu?

ANSWER: Both colds and flu are contagious and spread by airborne particles meaning that anyone can catch them. There are however certain people who are likely to be worse affected and these include:

• People with existing chronic diseases
• People with suppressed immune systems
• People with diabetes
• Pregnant women
• People aged over 65
• Children under 5

Visit www.fluandyou.co.uk for more advice
For information on how to reduce the risk of catching a cold or flu see our staying healthy section.¹

Q5. What should I do if I catch cold or flu?

ANSWER: There is as yet no known cure for colds and flu. If you are suffering from either it is advisable that you get plenty of rest and drink fluids. Medications such as those taken from the Lemsip Max All in One range can help to relieve your symptoms.

Q6. Do antibiotics work against cold and flu?

ANSWER: No. Antibiotics do not work on colds and flu. Antibiotics kill bacteria not viral infections and therefore have no effect on colds or flu. There are products available such as those taken from the Lemsip Max All in One range to help treat all the major symptoms of cold and flu.²

Q7. Is it correct to feed a cold and starve a fever?

ANSWER: No. If you have a fever you still need to eat. Whether you have a cold or flu, your body needs nutritious foods and fluids to enable it to help fight the virus.³

Q8. Can getting cold or wet give you a cold?

ANSWER: No. Cooling the skin and nose may cause sneezing which may be why we link a chill and colds. Getting cold or wet will not give you a cold as only a virus can cause cold or flu. However, if you are very cold it can lower your resistance to viruses in the air around you, making you more susceptible to infection. If you do have a cold or flu, make sure you wrap up warm - why not think about a hot water bottle?⁴

Q9. Can you get a cold from kissing?

ANSWER: No. According to the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff, viruses are not spread by contact such as kissing, but appear to be spread by large particles expelled at close range by coughs and sneezes, and by contaminated fingers which pass the virus to the nose and eye.⁴

Q10. Can blowing your nose too frequently do more harm than good?

ANSWER: Yes. Using excessive force may irritate the nose so it becomes more stuffy. It may force infection into the sinuses, cause pain from the eardrums, or trigger a nosebleed.⁴

Q11. Can I take Lemsip when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking any Lemsip products.

 

Check out our top tips for staying healthy

Lemsip Max All In One Cold & Flu Capsules for cold & flu. Contain Paracetamol. Always read the leaflet

 

References:
1. 22nd Oct 2009 - Cold or flu? http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/coldsandflu/Pages/Isitacoldorflu.aspx [date accessed 29/10/09]
2. 22nd Oct 2009 - The Antibiotic Awareness Campaign [date accessed 29/10/09] http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/ARC/Pages/Whatareantibiotics.aspx
3. 25th Aug 2009 - Feed a Cold and Starve a Fever? http://coldflu.about.com/od/cold/qt/feedstarvecold.htm [date accessed 29/10/09]
4. No date: General Common Cold Information, Cardiff University http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosi/subsites/cold/commoncold.html [date accessed 29/10/09]