Treatment

The treatment for both these conditions can be instituted by you. If you feel lousy increase sour rest. Bedmates are, in this case, best confined to a packet of paper tissues; a paper bag to collect the used ones. The nose should always be blown with the mouth slightly open and with both nostrils open. This prevents excessive pressure and the forcing of infected matter into the near-by ear tubes; the latter can cause ear infections. Have your room warm but well aired and stay indoors until your temperature is normal. Drink plenty of fluids - about 4-6 pts a day. Cool drinks such as fruit juice, lemonade or cordial. Keep a jug by your bed Soluble asprin or disprin taken 4 hourly will case the headache and the pain, and reduce the temperature.

A gargle sometimes helps - 2 asprins crushed in water make quite a good gargle, and can be swallowed. Asprin can also be crushed with honey and sucked, or be swallowed plain - but not more than 8 in the 24 hours. A gargle made from warm water with salt in it, in a weak solution, can help sore throats. A cough mixture from the chemist may be needed.

Within the first 12 hours of either a cold or flu, taking an additional 2-5 CM of Vitamin C will help fight the bug. Commercial preparations (e.g. Redoxin, Celin) can be purchased from the chemist.

With the flu, a feeling of weakness may lag on for some days after the initial onset. The chest is usually more sore than with a cold. If the condition persists with the development of coughing yellow or green sputum, ring for advice - you may need an antibiotic. If you're not sure ring Mairi or Celia at the Student Health Service, anytime 9am - 5pm for advice.