Cold and flu

#Cold and flu #Medicines information

Medicines for cold and flu

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Paracetamol and ibuprofen are effective at treating pain and fever in children and adults. Most other medicines used for colds and flu, including ‘cough and cold’ formulations and herbal remedies, have limited evidence that they are effective, but some people find them helpful. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not relieve your symptoms or cure the illness. If you are at a high risk of complications from influenza (‘the flu’) or COVID-19, your doctor may recommend starting an antiviral medicine. Check with your doctor and pharmacist whether a medicine is right for you,

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School exclusion for health reasons

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What are school exclusions for health reasons? Sometimes children must be kept away from school or childcare. This is called being ‘excluded’. It can happen if a child has a certain type of sickness. Some sicknesses are caused by germs that can spread to other people. A person who is sick from these germs is sometimes ‘infectious. This means the germs can be spread from that person to someone else. A child may need to stay away from school or childcare if they are ‘infectious. Staying away can stop the germs spreading to other children or people in the community.

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Flu vaccine FAQs

By Sama Mohamed

Who should have the flu shot? The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccination every year. It’s difficult to predict who will catch influenza (‘the flu’), or who will become seriously ill from it. The flu can require hospitalisation and can even be fatal. Getting vaccinated against the flu helps protect both you and the people around you. It’s particularly important to protect vulnerable people in the community who can’t be vaccinated, such as babies who are younger than 6 months and adults with low immunity. When should I have the flu shot?

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Flu (influenza)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fever and chills, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. The flu can be serious for some people, but if you are otherwise fit and healthy you usually don’t need to see a doctor. There is a vaccine available for the flu, and it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccination every year. You can treat the symptoms of mild flu by resting and drinking plenty of water. Medicines are available to treat fever and aches. What is the flu? Influenza (the

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#Childhood illnesses #Cold and flu #F #kid's health

Fever in children

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Fever is common in children. Fevers are usually caused by viral infections. If your child has a fever, they will have a high temperature and may also be flushed, shivering or sweating. You can make your child with a fever more comfortable by keeping them cool, dry and rested. If your child with a fever is under 3 months old, seek medical attention. What is a fever? A fever is a temperature of 38°C or higher. Fevers are quite common in young children and are usually mild. Sometimes the causes of a fever will need urgent attention, but

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Fever

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Fever is a part of your body’s immune response and is usually caused by infection. A fever causes a high temperature but can also cause sweating and chills. You can take your temperature with a thermometer to check if you have a fever. If you or your child has a fever, rest, keep cool and stay hydrated. If you experience other symptoms like severe headache, vomiting, confusion or a stiff neck, see a doctor. What is a fever? A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Having a fever can also be called ‘having a

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COVID-19 symptoms

By Sama Mohamed

How will I know if my COVID-19 symptoms are mild, moderate or severe? Mild symptoms Adults The following symptoms are considered mild in adults: mild upper respiratory tract symptoms such as a congested or runny nose, sneezing, or a scratchy or sore throat cough with no difficulty breathing new aches and pains, or lethargy or weakness without shortness of breath mild headache mild fever that responds to treatment loss of smell or taste loss of appetite nausea occasional vomiting or diarrhoea not drinking as much fluid (such as water) as usual in the last 24 hours Some adults have no symptoms at all. Children The following symptoms are considered mild in children: mild upper respiratory tract symptoms such

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#Childhood illnesses #Cold and flu #kid's health

Coughs and colds (in children)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viral infections. Cold viruses are spread easily through droplets from the nose and mouth of infected people. Cold viruses can cause a runny nose, sore throat, cough and lethargy. The best treatment for a cold virus is to rest at home so your child’s immune system can fight the virus. Cough syrups and cold medicines are not considered effective or recommended for children. What is the ‘common cold’? The common cold is an infection caused by a virus. Hundreds of different viruses can cause colds and they usually affect the

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Colds

By Sama Mohamed

What are colds? A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, the throat and upper airways. Colds are very common. Children may get between 5 and 10 colds a year, while adults may get 2 to 4 colds each year. What are the symptoms of a cold? The symptoms of a cold can be mild or they can be moderately severe. Symptoms of a cold may include: fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher) sneezing blocked or runny nose cough sore throat When should I see my doctor? Colds and flu can make other conditions worse, including conditions such as asthma

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