The common cold is a mild viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and upper airways. Colds are extremely common and most people will experience several each year, especially during the autumn and winter months.
Common cold symptoms include:
Cold symptoms usually develop gradually and typically improve within 7 to 10 days.
How a pharmacist can help
Your local pharmacist can recommend treatments to help relieve cold symptoms, such as:
If you're unsure which medicines are suitable for you, the team at Allied Pharmacies can provide personalised advice.
Flu, also known as influenza, is a more serious viral infection than the common cold. Flu tends to come on suddenly and can make you feel much more unwell.
Flu is more common during the winter months and can spread quickly through coughs, sneezes, and close contact with others.
Common flu symptoms include:
Flu symptoms often appear very quickly, sometimes within a few hours.
When to seek advice
If you think you may have flu, it's important to rest, stay hydrated, and manage symptoms early.
Pharmacists can recommend appropriate treatments to help relieve symptoms and advise when further medical care may be needed.
At Allied Pharmacies, our pharmacists can also provide advice on flu vaccinations, which help protect against seasonal flu.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen. Hay fever is most common during the spring and summer months, when pollen levels are higher.
Unlike a cold or flu, hay fever is not caused by a virus, which means it is not contagious.
Common hay fever symptoms include:
Hay fever symptoms can last for weeks or months during allergy season, depending on pollen levels.
Hay fever treatment
Pharmacists can recommend effective treatments to help control hay fever symptoms, including:
If hay fever symptoms are affecting your daily life, speak to your pharmacist for advice on the best treatment options.
If you're unsure whether you have a cold, flu, or hay fever, a pharmacist can help you identify the likely cause and recommend suitable treatment.
Visit your local Allied Pharmacy if you are experiencing symptoms such as:
Pharmacists can provide fast advice and treatment recommendations, often without the need for a GP appointment.
At Allied Pharmacies, our pharmacists are here to support your health and wellbeing.
Whether you're dealing with a cold, flu, or seasonal allergies, our team can help you choose the right treatments and provide expert advice.
Visit your local Allied Pharmacy today or speak to a member of our pharmacy team for guidance on managing your symptoms.