R&G|MAGAZINE EDITION #11 - JUNE 2015 | Page 27

Avoid sneezing on people (“Coughs and sneezes spread diseases”), or being sneezed upon; make sure to wash hands carefully after coughing and sneezing- the virus can hang around on door handles and things waiting for another likely victim. Use a tissue and then throw it away or destroy it. Try not to share cups and other utensils. Treating a cold or flu is fairly straightforward. Let’s get one thing clear, ANTIBIOTICS DO NOT WORK FOR VIRUSES. 27 So don’t pester your doctor for them. Drink plenty of fluids, take paracetamol for fever and aches and pains. Rest if necessary. Decongestants may help clear your nose (not to be used for children under 6 at all, and careful under age 12, and never use a nose spray for more than 7 days). Cough medicines may soothe your throat a bit, but don’ t expect them to stop the cough - they won’t.