Mari, 26, has a very busy job working for a charity. She works next to the pharmacy and comes in at lunchtime to ask what she should do about her cold. She feels slightly shivery, has a headache, sore throat and runny nose.

She wants to get better quickly and wonders if she should visit a doctor to get antibiotics. She says she has done this in the past and got better within 48 hours. For this activity, search the websites (above) and other articles and information on this topic. Discuss:

• What further questions could you ask Mari?
• Does Mari have any signs and symptoms that would make you refer her to the pharmacist?
• How might you dissuade Mari from visiting a doctor? What arguments would you use? How could you dissuade her in a sensitive manner?
• How would you recommend that Mari self-treats? What self-care advice would you give her?
• What product(s) might you recommend? Ask yourself €“ is my product knowledge up to date?
• Would you suggest that Mari stays off work (as difficult as she may find this)?