Treating Seasonal Flu: Self-Care and Preventative Measures

With flu season on the horizon, it’s important to get clued up on how to prevent and treat this common Winter ailment. This whistle-stop guide will answer a few common questions about why you need your flu vaccination in Harrow Middlesex, as well as how to treat seasonal flu at home.

How Will I Know if I Have Seasonal Flu?

Key symptoms of seasonal flu include body aches, a high temperature, a dry cough or sore throat, headaches, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Though cold and flu share common symptoms, the flu tends to appear much quicker and often causes extreme exhaustion. And whilst a cold affects mainly the nose and throat, flu is more likely to have an impact on the whole body.

It’s also important to note that some symptoms of seasonal flu, like high temperature and a dry cough, are also common in COVID-19. If you’re feeling unwell, be sure to take a PCR test to be on the safe side. You can find out more about the importance of PCR testing, as well as how to book one, in our previous blog post:

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Can you Treat Seasonal Flu at Home?

It’s often possible to treat seasonal flu at home. To aid your recovery, ensure you’re resting and getting plenty of sleep, staying warm and drinking enough water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

You may also wish to take an over-the-counter painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Avoid this (or consult a pharmacist first) if you’re using a cold or flu remedy, though. Many of these remedies contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, making it easy to exceed the recommended dose if they’re combined with other medicines.

Whilst you’re recovering from seasonal flu, wash your hands regularly, use tissues to catch germs from coughs or sneezes and dispose of them immediately to avoid spreading the virus to others.

How can a Pharmacist Help With Seasonal Flu?

At Doorstep Pharmacy in Harrow, Middlesex, we stock a range of great cold and flu remedies to boost your recovery and make you feel more comfortable whilst you get better.

We’ll be happy to advise if you’re unsure on which remedies to choose, or need guidance on whether you’re dealing with seasonal flu or something else. Our cold and flu remedies are also available to be ordered online for quick and convenient home delivery.

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Why Should I get my Flu Vaccination in Harrow, Middlesex?

Although self-care can go a long way and the flu often improves on its own, some people do get seriously ill – particularly elderly individuals or those with certain pre-existing conditions. The combination of COVID-19 and flu also increases the risk of serious illness.

Taking up your invitation to get the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent yourself from catching and spreading seasonal flu. And this year, with the pandemic still affecting our NHS, it’s more important than ever to do what we can to prevent the spread of flu.

Where can I Book my Flu Vaccination in Harrow, Middlesex?

You can book your seasonal flu vaccination with your local GP or pharmacy in Middlesex. If you’re pregnant, you may also be able to get your flu vaccine through your midwifery service. Give us a call at Doorstep Pharmacy, Harrow for more information on how to treat seasonal flu, or to book your flu vaccination in store.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Doorstep Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.