Cold & Flu
Everyone gets a cold from time to time. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but the rhinovirus is the most common culprit. Its symptoms typically include runny nose and sneezing. It is worth nothing that a cold is not the same as the flu (influenza). Flu symptoms are more severe and can include a fever and shaking chills, aches and pains, lethargy and headaches.
Most cold and flu will get better without any medical treatment.
However, see the doctor if the child or adult:
- Refuses to drink water or other fluids
- Vomits frequently
- Complains of intense headache or earache
- Is having difficulty breathing
- Has a persistent cough
- Coughs up rusty-coloured or blood-stained phlegm
- Has a high fever that does not respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Shows no improvement in 48 hours