Liaquat Ali Jatoi
There are many minor illnesses that can affect anyone during the winter months. Not everyone affected needs to see a doctor, as most common winter illnesses can be cured on their own with home remedies or simple over-the-counter medications. However, if you experience severe symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.
Cough: Cough is a common winter problem. One in five people have a cough during the winter. Symptoms can last for up to three weeks, but in some cases, they can last up to eight weeks. What can I do to feel better? Home remedies can be helpful for a common cough. Mix a glass of warm water with the juice of one lemon and a teaspoon of honey (not suitable for children under 1 year old).
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If you experience the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately: For example, a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, coughing up blood, coughing with chest or shoulder pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss in the past six months, hoarseness or a change in your voice for more than three weeks and the cough persists even after it improves, new lumps or swelling around your neck and above your collarbones. It is essential to consult a doctor.
Cold: Symptoms of a cold include a stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and a mild fever. Symptoms usually last for about ten days. Colds are very common and usually harmless infections that get better over time without the need to see your doctor.
What can I do to feel better? It is important that you rest, eat healthily and drink plenty of fluids. You do not need to visit a doctor to consult about common cough and cold medicines. You can also consult a certified pharmacist sitting at your nearest medical store, who can prescribe you common pills. Keep in mind, most of the medical stores here are run by uncertified people, so you should confirm that they are certified pharmacists before consulting. Yes! When should you contact a doctor?
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience the following: a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery, a long-term medical condition, a weakened immune system, for example, due to chemotherapy, chest pain, coughing up blood with mucus, difficulty breathing, swollen glands in your neck or armpits, symptoms persist for three weeks.
Sore throat: Symptoms of a sore throat usually last about a week without any treatment. To help treat a sore throat, you can:
Adults can take lozenges, ice cubes, or ice lollies, eat a soft diet, gargle with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and pain (children should not try this), avoid smoking and smoky places, and drink plenty of water. You can ask a certified pharmacist about ways to relieve the pain and discomfort of a sore throat. Contact a doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms:
Your symptoms last longer than 10-14 days, or are getting worse, you have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery, you have difficulty swallowing and severe pain, you are dehydrated, you have a weakened immune system, you are making a high-pitched sound when you breathe (called a stridor), you have severe symptoms and are getting worse quickly, nasal congestion and sinusitis.
Symptoms of nasal congestion and sinusitis can last up to three weeks and may include: a blocked or runny nose, facial pain or tenderness, mild fever, headache, pressure in the ears, cough, and loss of taste and smell.
Most people will get better without treatment. To help reduce symptoms, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. You can consult a qualified, certified pharmacist for common over-the-counter medications. Contact your doctor if your symptoms are severe, pain relievers are not effective, your symptoms do not improve after a week, or you continue to have sinusitis.
Flu: Flu is a common respiratory virus that spreads through the air when you cough or sneeze. It can also be spread when you touch surfaces that have the virus on them and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with the same hand. For most people, the flu causes mild symptoms, but if you are already sick, the flu can cause serious illness. Symptoms of the flu include a high temperature, fatigue, headache, and a dry, chesty cough.
Flu vaccine: The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against the flu. It also helps reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others. Rest, stay warm, and drink plenty of fluids to help you feel better. Over-the-counter medications can help reduce fever and pain.
Contact your doctor right away if you are concerned about your or your child’s symptoms, are over 65 years of age, are pregnant, or have a long-term medical condition, such as diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, or nerves. Your immune system is weakened, for example, from chemotherapy, or if your symptoms do not improve after seven days.
