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Web page - General Advice Section

Flu and the Common Cold

Key Points (drop down)

The common cold is caused by virus germs and are exactly that - common.

Colds are not a result of being cold!

There are hundreds of cold viruses. This is why colds recur and immunisation against colds is not possible.

Children have colds more often than adults who have built up immunity to many viruses.

Influenza (flu) is caused by the influenza virus.

However, many other viruses can cause an illness similar to flu. A diagnosis of a ‘flu-like illness’ is very common.

Commonly asked questions (drop down)

What are the symptoms of a common cold?

A congested (blocked) and runny nose are the main symptoms. At first there is a clear discharge (mucus) from the nose. This often becomes thick and yellow/green after 2-3 days. You may feel generally unwell or tired. Sneezing is common. A fever (temperature) may develop, particularly in children. The mucus can travel back to the throat. This may cause a mild sore throat, hoarseness and an irritable cough. Sometimes the mucus travels up to the ears and causes a temporary dulled hearing or mild earache. Sleep might be difficult due to a congested nose.

What are the symptoms of Flu?

Fever (high temperature), sweats, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, headache and tiredness are typical. Some people also may feel sick. Symptoms develop quickly. Even if you are young and fit, flu can make you ill enough to need to go to bed. Symptoms usually peak after 1-2 days and then gradually wear off. A feeling of tiredness may persist for a few more days.

Complications

Most colds do not cause complications. Occasionally the mucus can travel to the chest, sinuses or ears which may lead to a chest infection, sinusitis or ear infections. Consult a doctor if cold symptoms do not ease within a week or if you suspect a complication.

Complications for flu are unusual if you are normally well. A bacterial infection sometimes develops on top of the original virus infection. For example, a chest or ear infection may develop from a flu like illness and may be treated with antibiotics. If you have an ongoing chest problem (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc), or were previously ill or frail, you are more prone to ‘secondary’ chest infections. Consult a doctor if symptoms change or become worse.

General Advice Section

Flu like illnesses are due to a variety of viruses and occur at any time. The ‘classical’ influenza virus tends to cause a more severe illness and an outbreak occurs in the UK most winters. People most at risk of complications if they have influenza should be immunised each autumn (the ‘flu jab’). This includes those with asthma or other lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, a poor immune system (such as no spleen or HIV positive), people aged 65yrs or over and people living in nursing or residential homes. Young, generally well people tend not to require flu vaccine.

Treatment

There is no magic cure for the common cold! The symptoms are typically worse in the first 2-3 days and then ease gradually over the next few days. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses so are of no use for common colds. However you can help to ease the symptoms whilst the body’s immune system fights of the virus. Some tips include the following:

• Paracetamol or Aspirin - will ease fever, sore throats and general pains. A full dose four times a day helps to keep fever and pains away. If your throat is sore, dissolve soluble aspirin in some water and gargle for a few minutes before swallowing. The local effect of the aspirin on the throat adds to the pain relief. Many cold remedies sold at pharmacies contain aspirin or paracetamol as one of their ingredients. NOTE: children 12 and under should not be given aspirin to swallow or gargle. They can be given paracetamol liquid (Calpol, Disprol, etc).

• Nose Congestion – may be relieved with steam inhalation. A traditional routine is to add a couple of menthol crystals to a bowl of steaming water. Bend over the bowl and put a towel over your head and bowl to capture the steam. Breath the steamy vapour for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. The menthol crystals are not essential it is the steam that does the trick. Decongestion sweets, nose-sprays, vapour drops or medicines may ease a congested nose. Ask your pharmacist for advice. They should not be used for more than five days at a time. If used longer they may cause a swelling inside the nose causing it to be more congested. Some cold/decongestant medicines also contain ingredients that can make you drowsy. They may help with sleep if taken at bedtime

• Drink plenty of fluid – A fever may cause extra body fluid to be lost by sweating. Having low body fluids (mild dehydration) can make you feel more tired and may cause a headache. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Hot drinks are often soothing too.

• Anti-viral medication – is controversial. It does not cure flu but may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Its role is not yet established. Medication may be prescribed to certain immunised people at higher risk of complications who develop flu or during a flu epidemic

Manager Section.

Short Term Sickness Absence.

The common cold and flu are commonly given as reasons for short term attendance problems.

Most of the time, symptoms of the Common Cold can be effectively managed with over-the-counter remedies and, although feeling uncomfortable, should not cause a generally healthy person to stay away from work.

Flu can cause a short period of absence however it is most unlikely that one individual will have a need for repeated absences due to this condition. Where this is given as a reason on more than one occasion, a manager may wish to consider if there are any other reasons for the absence.

Frequent absences due to common cold or flu are common but unfortunately not always genuine! The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has estimated that 15% of all absence in 2003 was non-genuine and this fact can legitimately be discussed with an employee who attributes frequent absence to minor ailments. It may well be that there are other factors (eg social welfare etc) which are more influential and for which an employee can be offered support.

Long Term Sickness Absence

It is most unusual for the common cold and flu to lead to long term absence.

The complications of these conditions are also unlikely to impact on absence long term. Post-viral Fatigue is a separate condition and would require referral if resulting in long term absence.

All cases of long term sickness must be referred to the OH Consultant for an on-site review.

Manager Options

□ Ask employee to see his GP

□ Use AskLine option to get further advice - click on icon

□ Refer to Occupational Health Consultant - Link to referral paperwork

Further Information Links

National Health Service

.uk

BBC 'Ask The Doctor'

bbc.co.uk

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