Amid the chilly winter weather, many people are complaining of experiencing the "worst lurgy ever", enduring symptoms which mimic those of Covid-19.
Sore throats, blocked noses and headaches are spreading as people increase their socialising ahead of Christmas. Sufferers have taken to social media to share their ailments, while seeking advice on recovering at home.
Luckily, one expert has settled the debate on which painkiller is the best to take. Speaking to the Mirror, Abbas Kanani the superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click clarified whether paracetamol or ibuprofen is more beneficial - and debunked a misconception.
There are a number of over the counter medicines which claim to treat everything from runny noses to achy muscle pains. With so much to choose from, it can be tough to know which ones are the best.
When ill, many people think that it's a toss up between the two tablets, but the specialist has clarified that both can be taken together to offer different results.
"Paracetamol is probably more effective at bringing down temperature, so it's almost like a double-whammy, you get rid of your headache and bring your temperature down," Mr Kanani explained.
"But if you feel that you have more body aches, that's your main symptom, then ibuprofen is probably slightly better as it's an anti-inflammatory."
The expert goes on to warn that people are careful when taking ibuprofen as many are allergic to the class of drug that it belongs to.
However, he claims that what most people don't know is that you can actually take the two medicines together when you're feeling really rubbish.
"If you feel that one isn't enough you can take ibuprofen as well as paracetamol, you can take them together. A lot of people don't know that it's not one or the other, you can put them together as they work in different ways."
While these two medicines will help with aches and pains and temperatures, as well as mild cold and flu symptoms, Abbas adds that they won't do much for those suffering with coughs and nasal congestion.
To relieve these specific symptoms you'd need to use cold and flu products instead.
For instance, medicines that contain a decongestant would be best for a blocked nose, while you'd require an expectorant for mucus coughs and a cough suppressant for a dry, tickly cough.
But when taking cold and flu medicines, be sure to always check the packet and leaflet to see what other products you can safely take with them, as while you can double up on paracetamol and ibuprofen, you may not be able to take or mix these with anything else.
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