Following our last blog post, ‘HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T CATCH A COLD OR FLU – A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’, we’ve written this short guide on what to do if you catch the cold or flu virus.

If you catch a cold, you will feel tired and have a runny nose and possibly a headache, sore throat, cough, or a slight temperature. This is normal and you do not need to see a doctor. You should be able to look after yourself, or your house parent or homestay may help you if you need medicine.

How to treat a cold:

• Make sure you rest as much as you can, no missing class or lectures though (nice try!!). Make sure you go to bed early!
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.
• Wrap up warm.
• Having a warm bath may relax your muscles and help you to breathe more easily.
• You may want to take some painkillers; paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce your temperature and relieve any aches and pains. If you are at school please ask your houseparent or school nurse if they advise that you take some medicine.

The worst symptoms of your cold will usually last 1-2 days but it may take up to a week for you to recover fully.

Having flu is similar to having a cold however the symptoms are much worse and appear much quicker than a cold. Symptoms include:

• Sudden fever of 38-40 degrees Celsius (100-104F)
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sweating
• Feeling exhausted and needing to lie down
• A dry and chesty cough

Flu symptoms appear over one to three days after the initial infection and most people recover within a week, although it can last longer in more severe cases. Please speak to your houseparent, school nurse or a trusted adult if you think you have flu as it is very contagious.

If you are at high risk, a flu injection may be available to you. Please speak to your school nurse for their advice.

The information given above is based on advice given by the National Health Service. Please do not use this information instead of seeking medical advice.