A ‘super cold’ or ‘worst cold ever’, is set to sweep across the country this winter – and, for some, it already is. With GP surgeries getting busier, your local pharmacy is usually open till 7 pm or even later. Now, an expert pharmacist has given his opinion on how to cope with the ‘super cold’, and why it is so potent this year.
Symptoms of the ‘super cold’ may include high temperature, muscle pain and headaches on top of the usually runny nose, sneezing and coughing, and so it is important to know how to medicate.
Thorrun Govind, community pharmacist and Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England, explains why this cold is more virulent this year. “We are mixing more than we have over the past 18 months, and there has been a reduction in people wearing masks and observing social distancing – so it is not surprising that symptoms of this cold are more aggressive and have severe impact on the individual,” Thorrun says.
“Lockdown rules were designed to stop Covid spreading, but they also prevent spreading of other viruses among people.” With Covid-19 cases also on the rise, it is important to treat the cold like Covid, and to self-isolate and get a PCR test done if the symptoms are like those of Covid.
What can a pharmacist prescribe or offer to alleviate the symptoms?
“Ideally people need to stay at home and halt the spread germs,” Thorrun explains. “It is important to take complete rest and take paracetamol, whilst drinking fluids to stay hydrated. Be careful using cough and cold medicines if you are already taking paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets as they may contain the same ingredients, so it can be easy to take more than the recommended dose.
“Your pharmacist may suggest that you relieve a blocked nose with decongestants, such as nasal sprays. Remember this is not suitable for everyone, especially those with high blood pressure, so make sure you seek the opinion of your pharmacist if you are unsure.
“It is also a good idea to visit your pharmacist if the symptoms go on for an unexpectedly long time, and you have tested negative for Covid-19. It may be appropriate to call your local pharmacy instead.
“To prevent spread of super cold, one should wash our hands often with warm water and soap, use tissues when you cough or sneeze and then bin the used tissues as quickly as possible,” Thorrun adds.
