Cold or flu got you?

There’s loads of bugs floating around so we’ve pulled together some handy tips about staying well and what to do if you do feel under the weather.

Staying well – stop the spread

• Get your annual flu vaccinations.

• Keep up to date you’re your Covid-19 vaccinations, including boosters.

• You can use this handy vaccinations checker to suss out where you can get certain vaccinations > Vaccination checker

• Cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly (e.g. 20 seconds with soap) and dry them well.

• Avoid sharing personal items e.g. drink bottles.

• Eat healthy foods.

• Avoid smoking or being around someone who smokes.

Did you know? More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold. Antibiotics do not work for colds or the flu so they won’t help you recover.

Got cold or flu?

Self-care works best!

In most cases, the best way to manage a seasonal viral illness is to let it “run its course”. That means, get plenty of rest and do the things listed below to feel better.

Get help if things get worse!

In most cases, you will get better within 10 days. Your cough may last a bit longer than this.

If you start to feel a lot worse (or are not getting better after about a week):

• Call Healthline (0800 611 116).

• Make an appointment with your GP.

• Register and book an appointment with Otago Polytechnic’s online healthcare provider, Pocket Lab (find out more here).

Call 111 or go to hospital if you have:

• difficulty breathing or severe chest pain

• feel confused or have difficulty thinking clearly

• feel faint, pass out, have difficulty waking up

• cough up a large amount of blood

• have blue lips/tongue or a significant skin rash

• have severe shaking, chills or fever that hasn’t improved with the self-care advice listed above.