While the festive season brings joy, it also ushers in a wave of colds and flu as temperatures drop. If you find yourself battling illness this Christmas, there’s crucial health advice you need to hear.
According to pharmacist Frederick Apenteng from Roseway Labs, certain medications could actually prolong your symptoms, and he recently shared essential guidance on managing winter ailments that could transform your approach to self-care. As sniffle season arrives, pharmacists are cautioning that popular “quick fixes” may be extending illness duration.
From excessive nasal spray use to incorrect medications, minor errors can worsen symptoms and potentially endanger your health. You should take his advice onboard, as well as look out for symptoms that could help detect what’s wrong with you.
Frederick explained: “Every year we see people struggling with lingering symptoms that could have been just a few days of mild discomfort. Most of the time, it comes down to simple misconceptions.”
Myths about cold and flu remedies
A prevalent misconception is that the flu vaccine causes flu. “It doesn’t. The vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus, so it can’t cause illness,” he stated, adding: “But it does train your immune system to fight it, reducing your risk of severe symptoms and complications.
“That trigger can cause short-term symptoms, mild muscle aches [and] a bit of tiredness, because your body is building its defence. But that’s very different from catching the flu.”
Another widespread misconception is that antibiotics can speed up recovery. “Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not viral colds,” Frederick clarified.
“Taking them when they aren’t needed won’t speed up your recovery and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat.” And contrary to popular belief, you can’t actually catch a cold from being cold. The genuine culprits are viruses transmitted through sneezing, coughing or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Common mistakes to avoid
Pharmacist Frederick also highlights several typical over-the-counter errors, including:
- Incorrect cough syrup – Expectorants (like guaifenesin) loosen mucus for chesty coughs, while suppressants (like dextromethorphan) calm dry, tickly coughs. Using the wrong one can trap mucus or worsen irritation.
- Excessive nasal spray use – Decongestant sprays should only be used for a few days at a time, otherwise they cause rebound congestion.
- Combining medications – Many cold remedies already contain paracetamol or ibuprofen. Taking more on top can lead to accidental overdose.
Colds typically resolve within a week, but flu strikes more severely and can persist for up to two weeks. You’ll suffer from fever, chills and body aches that can leave you bedridden.
“Your local pharmacist can help you work out what you have and what will ease it,” Frederick explained. “But if symptoms drag on or worsen, or you’re struggling to breathe, it’s time to see your GP. People with underlying conditions, the elderly or those who are pregnant should always err on the side of caution.”
Rest, adequate hydration and guidance from a pharmacist prove far more beneficial than taking unnecessary medication. This represents the crucial message the expert wishes to convey to the public.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
