Runny nose, fever, fatigue, cough, body aches… many of us are sick at the start of the year. This is felt by doctors and pharmacies. “The period from the end of December to the end of January is the one with the most infections. It is therefore not surprising that this also happens this year,” explains Dr Jean-Claude Schmit, director of health.
“There are a lot of influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections which can lead to bronchiolitis,” confides Dr Guillaume Steichen, secretary general of the Association of Physicians and Dentists Luxembourg (AMMD). We are in the middle of the peak.”
To get treatment, it is not essential to go to your doctor. “You can ask for paracetamol in the pharmacy for fever and aches, sea water for the nose and mouthwash for sore throats,” explains Dr. Steichen, who has a lot of work these days. “It’s mostly people who can’t work and need a certificate.”
To prevent the spread of viruses, it is recommended to adopt barrier gestures. Vulnerable people can still get vaccinated. “Vaccination is the best way to combat flu-related complications,” adds Dr. Steichen.
In pharmacies, there is no pressure on stocks of medicines for colds, coughs and fevers. “Certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications and nasal sprays with cortisone are out of stock,” explains Christiane Schwartz-Majerus, owner of the Fousbann pharmacy in Differdange and administrator of the pharmacists’ union.
She believes that “zinc and vitamin C help you heal faster. But nothing beats getting some fresh air and avoiding shopping centers, where there are lots of viruses circulating.”
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