Colds and flu

Question 1

What is a cold (4)

Answer 1

1. a collection of symptoms mainly affecting the chest, throat and nose.
2. Most colds are caused by a range of viruses.
3. Often a cold will start with a sore throat and/ or a runny nose which later becomes blocked.
4. Sneezing follows because the linings of the nose are irritated by the infection, and a raised temperature may occur.

Question 2

What is the flu (5)

Answer 2

1. Influenza or fluas it is commonly known, is a viral infection.
2. Flu usually occurs during the winter months from October to May and tends to last much longer than a cold.
3. Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include a sudden high temperature, an aching body, sore throat.
4. Flu can leave the person feeling run down for many weeks after the main symptoms have gone.
5. It is important for you to also be familiar with the signs and symptoms of COVID.

Question 3

What are the most common symptoms of COVID-19 (12)

Answer 3

1. New, continuous cough – defined as coughing a lot for more than an hour, or threeor more coughing episodes within 24 hours
2. Fever
3. Shortness of breath
4. Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
5. Feeling tired or exhausted
6. An aching body
7. A headache
8. A sore throat
9. A blocked or runny nose
10. Loss of appetite
11. Diarrhoea
12. Feeling sick or being sick

Question 4

What questions will you have to ask (5)

Answer 4

Who is the medication for
What are the symptoms
How long have you had the symptoms
Action taken?
Medication you are taking? (Decongestants x heart & blood pressure medicine)

Question 5

What customers will need to be referred to the pharmacist (11)

Answer 5

1. Babies and children
2. Pregnant or breast-feeding women
3. Elderly patients
4. Children who cough at night
5. Anyone with flu-like symptoms in patients who have recently travelled to an area where there is a risk of malaria
6. Anyone with a cough which brings up coloured or blood-stained phlegm
7. Anyone suffering from chest pain or difficulty swallowing
8. People with persistent hoarseness of the voice
9. Anyone with a cough which has lasted longer than three weeks
10. People having difficulties in breathing, including those suffering from asthma and bronchitis
11. Anyone with swollen lymph nodes

Question 6

What are decongestants (3)

Answer 6

1. Decongestants reduces swelling of nasal passages and clears congestion.
2. They can be given by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or as a liquid or be used topically as nasal sprays and drops.
3. The sale of products that contain pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are under strict control.

Question 7

What are the types of decongestants (2)

Answer 7

1. Topical
2. Oral

Question 8

What are topical decongestants (6)

Answer 8

1. XYLOMETAZOLINE
2. EPHEDRINE
3. OXYMETAZOLINE
4. Topicaldecongestants act locally in the nose.
5. They should not be used for more thanseven daysat a time because continued use can causerebound congestion
6. Rebound congestion occurs when overuse of the product begins to cause congestion, rather than by a symptom of the cold.

Question 9

What are oral decongestants (7)

Answer 9

1. PHENYLEPHRINE
2. PSEUDOEPHEDRINE
3. Oral**decongestants are included in many cold remedies.
4. They reduce the swelling of blood vessels in the nose, thereby relieving nasal congestion.
5. Oral decongestants are effective for inflamed sinuses.
6. They may not be suitable for several groups of people, including those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and prostatic enlargement.
7. Always refer any customer requesting a decongestant who is taking other medicines to your pharmacist.

Question 10

What are inhalations (5)

Answer 10

1. used to ease chesty coughs and clear blocked noses.
2. They usually consist of strong smelling oils such as menthol and eucalyptus.
3. They are added to hot, but not boiling, water and the vapours are inhaled via the mouth and nasal passages.
4. There is an OTC nasal spray for adults for the relief of cold symptoms that contains both xylometazoline and ipratropium bromide (which acts to reduce nasal secretions).
5. Dexpanthenol may also be found in some nasal sprays to help protect the nasal lining.

Question 11

What are analgesics (6)

Answer 11

1. used to treat the symptoms of headache, aches and pains and can also reduce a high temperature.
2. Paracetamol is often used, especially in combination products, as it is effective in bringing down a high temperature.
3. Aspirin or ibuprofen can also be included as these are good for relieving aches and pains.
4. Codeine and dihydrocodeine-containing combination OTC analgesics arenotindicated for colds and flu.
5. Customers wanting to buy a paracetamol containing product should always be reminded that paracetamol is included in many other OTC medicines (not only for colds and flu).
6. Adults should not take more than two paracetamol 500mg tablets at once, (or the equivalent dose), and no more than eight 500mg tablets (or equivalent) in 24 hours.

Question 12

What are antihistamines (9)

Answer 12

1. promethazine
2. chlorphenamine
3. triprolidine
4. diphenhydramine.
5. Antihistamines block the production of histamine.
6. Their role in cold and cough remedies includes helping people to sleep when a cough is keeping them awake and drying up nasal secretions.
7. However, there isnotstrong evidence to suggest antihistamines are effective.
8. You need to warn customers when taking an antihistamine product that it may cause drowsiness and they should not drive or operate machinery if they are affected.
9. They should also avoid alcohol when taking such products as this can enhance the drowsy effect.

Question 13

What is pseudoephedrine and ephedrine (4)

Answer 13

1. decongestants that are found in OTC products for coughs, colds and flu.
2. They can be used in the manufacture of an illegal Class A controlled drug called methamphetamine (also known as ‘crystal meth’, ‘ice’, or ‘meth’) in so called ‘home labs’.
3. In order to minimise risk to the public, the MHRA issued legal measures on the sale and supply of products containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.
4. You may not supply a product containing pseudoephedrine at the same time as a product containing ephedrine to any one person – regardless of the pack size.

Question 14

What is methamphetamine (4)

Answer 14

1. highly addictive and can cause serious, long-term harm.
2. It can have effects on the heart and digestive system, as well as cause extreme weight loss.
3. Long-term use can affect the user’s mental health.
4. This can lead to aggressive, violent and unpredictable behaviour.

Question 15

What are the MHRA controls on the sale of pseudoephedrine

Answer 15

The pack size of pseudoephedrine has been limited to 720mg, for example 12x60mg pseudoephedrine tablets.

Question 16

What are the MHRA controls on the sale of ephedrine

Answer 16

Sales of ephedrine is limited to a maximum of 180mg to a person at any one time.