Cold/flu

Question 1

Cold/flu - key symptoms (13)

Answer 1

Sneezing
Congestion
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
Loss of taste/smell
Eye irritation
Sinus pain
Headache
Fever
Malaise
Myalgia
GI symptoms
Flu has more severe symptoms with faster onset

Question 2

Cold/flu - extra questions (3)

Answer 2

Fever? if so how long
Breathing difficulty?
Chest pain?

Question 3

Cold/flu - explanation

Answer 3

Cold: common viral infection (rhinovirus) that affects the respiratory system, symptoms typically resolve after 1 week
Flu: common viral infection caused by influenza virus, symptoms improve within 1 week but can take 2 weeks to fully resolve

Question 4

Cold/flu - OTC treatment (just list options) (7)

Answer 4

Paracetamol (fever + pain)
Oral decongestants (Sudafed): pseudoephedrine
Decongestant spray (Otrivine): xylometazoline
Cough syrups
Saline nasal drops
Vapour rub
Throat spray/lozenges

Question 5

Cold/flu - oral decongestant (product, drug, how it works, dose, important info)

Answer 5

Sudafed, pseudoephedrine, decongestant that works to constrict blood vessels and improve airflow, 1 tablet every 4-6 hours, 12 years +

Question 6

Cold/flu - decongestant spray (product, drug, how it works, dose, important info)

Answer 6

Otrivine nasal spray, xylometazoline, decongestant that works to constrict blood vessels and improve airflow, 1 spray into each nostril tds, 12+, max 7 days

Question 7

Cold/flu - lifestyle (8)

Answer 7

Adequate fluid
Rest - flu may require time off work
Healthy diet
Wash hands
Avoid sharing towels
Steam inhalation (bathroom)
Vapour rub (apply to chest)
Gargle salt water

Question 8

Cold/flu - referral (5)

Answer 8

No improvement after 1 week
Fever longer than 3-4 days
Shortness of breath
Infants
Chest pain