Colds

Find relief from common cold symptoms with advice and treatment available at your community pharmacy.

Colds are caused by viruses of the upper respiratory tract, primarily affecting the nose and throat. Colds are infectious and can easily spread from one person to another. Symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose should clear up within 7 to 10 days. While there’s no cure for a cold, your local community pharmacist can recommend ways to relieve symptoms.

Treating your cold

  • Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps keep mucus thin, easing congestion.
  • Rest: Rest allows your immune system to fight off the virus more effectively.
  • Manage symptoms: Over-the-counter decongestants, nasal sprays, or throat lozenges may help reduce symptoms.
  • Practise good hygiene: Wash hands often and stay home when sick to avoid catching and spreading colds.

Your community pharmacist can advise you on the best treatments and how to care for yourself during a cold. Always follow your pharmacist’s directions when using cold medicines.

Influenza

Protect yourself and others with vaccinations, flu prevention advice and symptom management from your community pharmacy.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms more severe than a cold, often including fever, body aches, and fatigue. Flu season generally runs from May to October each year, but the timing of peak flu season can change from one year to the next. Annual influenza vaccinations are your best defence and are available at your local community pharmacy.

Prevention and treatment

  • Get vaccinated: Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. Learn more about flu vaccinations at your community pharmacy.
  • Stay home when sick: If you have flu symptoms, avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
  • Manage symptoms: Over-the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help alleviate aches and fever. Ask your community pharmacist for advice on what would work best for you.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Get essential nutrients by increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables. A well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits and veg helps supply natural antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system.

Your pharmacist can provide flu vaccinations and support you with flu symptom management.

Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis)

Your pharmacist can help you find effective, non-drowsy relief options for managing hay fever and other allergies.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response from your immune system that can be triggered by pollen, dust mites, moulds or animal fur. These allergens can lead to itchy eyes, sneezing, headaches, and nasal congestion. With one in five Australians suffering from hay fever, community pharmacists are increasingly called upon to help people treat and manage their hay fever.

Key tips

  • Avoid allergen triggers: Stay indoors on high-pollen days, close windows, and use air conditioning when possible.
  • Wear sunglasses: They protect your eyes from pollen and other particles in the air that can cause allergies.
  • Consider nasal irrigation: Saline rinses can help clear allergens from nasal passages and reduce symptoms.

Hay fever can be confused with other conditions. Your community pharmacist can help you determine if hay fever is the problem. Your pharmacist can also choose the best medication for your symptoms. This could include a nasal spray, eye drops or antihistamine tablets.

Talk to your local community pharmacist today about the best ways to manage your hay fever symptoms.

Coughs

For productive and dry cough relief, consult your local community pharmacist to find the right treatment.

Coughs are often a result of viral infections, allergens, or irritants. They can be “productive” (with mucus or phlegm) or “dry”. If you are suffering from a chronic cough – one lasting three or more weeks – you should talk to your pharmacist about next steps, understanding that you may need to see your GP.

Key tips

  • Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps thin phlegm and mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways.
  • Soothing remedies: Warm drinks with honey can ease throat irritation caused by a dry cough (note: avoid honey for children under one year).
  • Avoid irritants: Steer clear of smoke and other triggers that can worsen cough symptoms.

Your pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter treatments for different types of coughs, ensuring you find the best fit for your needs.

Many medicines designed to relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds are now available as what are known as “Pharmacist Only Medicines”. This means the medicines are only available from pharmacies and the pharmacist can only supply them to you if they are satisfied it is the most appropriate product to treat your symptoms.

Sore throats (Pharyngitis)

Ease the discomfort of a sore throat with pharmacist-recommended treatments and care options.

Sore throats (or pharyngitis) are often caused by viruses and can be accompanied by symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain when swallowing. While most sore throats resolve within a few days, symptom relief can make recovery more comfortable.

Key tips

  • Stay hydrated: Water keeps your throat moist, which can ease irritation.
  • Gargle warm salty water: Gargling with warm salty water can help reduce throat inflammation and provide relief.
  • Throat soothers: Lozenges and sprays with mild anaesthetics may alleviate discomfort and make swallowing easier.

Your pharmacist can help you choose the right products to manage sore throat symptoms effectively.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or they get worse, visit your local community pharmacist for advice on treatment and care options.


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Your local community pharmacy is your go-to destination for everyday health needs. From coughs and colds to travel health and mobility care, your community pharmacists can do more for you with expert advice and effective treatments to help you stay healthy and active. Explore our range of services to keep your family well every day.

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