A pharmacist has warned that almost a third of adults ‘fall ill after summer’
The NHS has detailed the latest symptoms(Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
Thousands of people across the UK are thought to have fallen ill during the first half of September. Boots pharmacist Sanjay Nathwani has explained that a number of bugs are already beginning to spread as we approach Autumn.
He said: “Kids have been back to school for two weeks now, and we are already starting to see children and parents alike feeling the back to school bugs. We know it can be hard for parents to find the time to speak to a healthcare professional when they are poorly, which is why we are reminding people that pharmacists like me are here to help.
“Our role has expanded massively in recent years – we can now diagnose, advise and provide treatment where appropriate for a wide range of ailments from simple coughs and colds, to even contraception, blood pressure checks, menopause, UTIs and more.”
Data from Boots reveals that a third of adults (32%) fall ill post-summer, often catching colds (37%), coughs (29%) and flu (16%) from children returning to school. According to the NHS, here are the latest symptoms for cold and flu – and how they differ:
Colda blocked or runny nosefeeling tired and unwella sore throata hoarse voicesneezinga cough
Cold symptoms usually come on gradually and people may also experience a feeling of pressure in ears and face, aching muscles, a high temperature, and a loss of taste and smell. You can usually treat a cold at home and should drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
Breathing in steam may also help for a blocked nose. Some people find gargling salt water or sipping a hot lemon and honey drink alleviates a sore throat.
Flu
Unlike a cold, flu symptoms can come on very quickly, according to the NHS, and can include:
a sudden high temperaturea dry cougha sore throatnausea and vomitingdifficulty sleepingdiarrhoea or abdominal painloss of appetitebody achesa headachefeeling fatigued or exhausted
If you’re suffering from the flu, it’s important to keep warm, get plenty of sleep and rest. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to reduce your temperature and alleviate any aches.
However, it’s crucial not to take paracetamol and flu remedies that contain paracetamol simultaneously as it’s easy to accidentally go over the recommended dose. You should also drink plenty of water.