Self care tips

• Help prevent viruses from spreading by using tissues correctly and washing hands
• If you have a cold, rest, stay warm and drink plenty of fluids
• Inhale steam to help loosen and bring up phlegm
• Drink plenty of fluids. Warm drinks containing lemon juice and honey can be soothing
• Don't smoke
• Gargle with soluble aspirin (adults only) or warm, salt water
• Don't share drinks, cutlery, etc.

WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It may not be the customer who needs the treatment. Remember that most cough and cold remedies are not suitable for children under six years.

What are the symptoms? Ask the customer to describe all of the symptoms so that you can establish what the most appropriate treatment will be and whether they need to be referred to the pharmacist.

How long have the symptoms been present? This will help you find out if the customer has something more serious.

Action already taken? This will help establish whether the customer has used a product that didn't help or wasn't appropriate for their symptoms.

Medication? It is important to find out if the customer is taking prescribed or OTC medicines and if so, refer them to the pharmacist.

When to refer to the pharmacist

You should refer children under six and pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as anyone who:

• Is coughing up mucus or phlegm that is not clear or white
• Is coughing up blood
• Has chest pain, shortness of breath or wheezing
• Has had a cough for more than three weeks
• Has a cough that did not start with a cold
• Is a smoker or is worried about their cough
• Has a severe or persistent cough or a suspected infection
• Has a high fever that will not go down or lasts several days
• Is on medication
• Has a sore throat that has lasted longer than five days
• Has spots on the throat or tongue
• Has neck stiffness or severe soreness
• Has difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Has a sore throat that has worsened quickly
• A skin rash.