Pharmacist says rest is the best remedy for viral illnesses

Rest may be the best response to some health problems, rather than reaching straight for medication, pharmacist Ene Jõgisoo told Vikerraadio, part of ERR. She said the viral illness season began early at the Kose pharmacy, with patient numbers rising after children returned to school in early September.

Jõgisoo, who has worked at the pharmacy for 43 years, said people often want to recover quickly and return to work or other duties. That can lead them to seek a quick fix in tablets, especially painkillers, she said.

For viral illnesses, Jõgisoo advises people to take time to rest before looking for medicine. She has told patients who come to the pharmacy at weekends to go home, drink something warm, sleep and avoid rushing around.

She also recommended antiviral sprays and lozenges during the virus season, saying they help prevent illness.

Jõgisoo said pharmacists are increasingly asked for advice by people who have been unable to reach their doctor. She added that she is wary of medicines being sold from vending machines because customers could miss out on a pharmacist’s guidance.