Cold and Flu Flashcards
What are 8 symptoms of colds and flus?
- Blocked/runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Red/watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Earache
Do colds and flus require a counselling room?
No
What are 10 red flags for referral with colds and flus?
- Symptoms lasting greater than 10-14 days
- High temperature for 3 days or more
- Dry cough develops into productive cough
- Severe earache (child)
- Facial pain/frontal headache (sinusitis)
- Very young or old
- Heart or lung disease
- Green sputum
- Delirium
- Asthma/COPD
Do colds and flus have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Cold and Flu)
What is the preferred treatment option for colds and flus?
Isotonic Saline Nasal Sprays/Drops
What are the directions for Isotonic Saline Nasal Spray in colds and flus?
Adult, children over 2 years: Direct the nozzle at the entrance of each nostril and depress the spray pump. Repeat as often as needed
What are the directions for Isotonic Saline Nasal Drops in colds and flus?
Children 2 years and under: Direct the nozzle at the entrance of each nostril and squeeze the bottle. Repeat as often as needed
What are 6 non-preferred options for colds and flus and why?
- Paracetamol: useful adjunct but does not treat congestion and patient may inadvertently double up
- Ibuprofen: risk of adverse effects
- Phenylephrine: dubious efficacy
- Xylometazoline: rebound effects
- Oxymetazoline: rebound effects
- Pseudoephedrine: strong stimulant effects, subject to abuse
Are isotonic Saline Nasal Sprays/Drops safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Are isotonic Saline Nasal Sprays/Drops safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for Isotonic Saline Nasal Spray?
Safe in all ages (drops are preferred for children 2 and under)
What is the age range for Isotonic Saline Nasal Drops?
Safe in all ages (typically only used in children 2 and under)
What are 6 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for colds and flus?
- Ensure adequate rest and fluid intake.
- Avoid irritants for example, cigarette smoke, fireplace fumes.
- Adjust room temperature and humidity to keep rooms warm but not overheated.
- Limit viral spread by washing hands, using disposable tissues, not sharing hand towels and trying not to touch the nose.
- Steam inhalations can assist with expectoration and clearing of the nasal passages.
- Cough may persist after worst of the cold is over.
What are 5 characteristics of influenza to consider in the differential diagnosis with colds?
- Persistent temperature of >38c
- At least one respiratory symptom present
- At least one constitutional symptom present (headache, malaise, myalgia, sweats/chills, prostration)
- Rapid onset with sweats/chills, muscular aches and pains in limbs, a dry sore throat, cough and high temperature
- Bed bound, delirious
