Help is at hand for those struck down with 'flu

 

Whether you or a loved one has a cold, the flu, a sore throat or an earache, the HSE has lots of common sense advice for these common ailments on its website undertheweather.ie.

The straight-talking and easy to navigate site, developed in partnership with GPs and pharmacists, gives users clear and practical information on how to manage a range of common illnesses.

Dr. Nuala O'Connor, Cork GP and ICGP Antibiotics Lead, said: “The easy to read content, videos and advice from GPs and pharmacists we developed for undertheweather.ie will guide you on how to treat the condition yourself and how to get better – and also when you need to ask for expert help.

'Sometimes people feel they need to visit a GP for common illnesses, or when a cold or cough last more than a few day. The site explains how long common viral illness can last, and aims to give you the confidence to get better at home, without unnecessary antibiotics.'

Here are some of the common sense facts that the site helps to promote:

• A cough, while irritating, can often last up to three weeks – many people feel this is a concern but it is quite normal

• Influenza is quite a serious illness that can keep you off your feet for a week or two – but it doesn’t respond to antibiotics. We treat the flu with rest, fluids, over the counter medicines. Keep an eye on older people or those with long-term illness, who might experience complications and need to see the doctor

• Earaches and sore throats can be very painful, but again, the vast majority don’t respond to an antibiotic. We treat them with over the counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and most resolve by themselves within a few days.