Shingles and chickenpox are both viral infections caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is commonly experienced during childhood and is characterized by a widespread, itchy rash. At the same time, shingles reactivate the same virus that can occur later in life, leading to a painful rash and often severe discomfort. Although they stem from the same virus, their manifestations and implications differ significantly. Understanding the distinctions between shingles and chickenpox is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Misidentifying one for the other can lead to ineffective treatments and prolonged discomfort. Recognizing these differences ensures that individuals receive the correct treatment and take proper measures to prevent the spread or recurrence of these conditions. This article will cover the fundamental aspects of both chickenpox and shingles. It will detail each condition's causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies and discuss prevention measures. By distinguishing between the two, readers will understand how to address these infections and protect themselves and others from their effects.

When COVID-19 first emerged, infections followed a consistent pattern with three main symptoms: a continuous dry cough, fever, and a loss in sense of taste or smell. The infection has now morphed into different symptoms, as new variants of the virus have emerged, and as most people are fully vaccinated.

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the clear tissue covering the eye's white part and the eyelids' inside. This condition can be caused by several factors, including bacterial infections and allergic reactions, leading to different types of conjunctivitis. Understanding the differences between bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis is crucial for individuals in the US, where pollen levels can be high, and bacteria can spread quickly in close-contact environments like schools and workplaces. This knowledge helps ensure proper treatment, reduces the risk of spreading infections, and allows for more effective management of symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common ailment, and every sufferer has their own particular set of symptoms and triggers. As it commonly starts in the 20s and 30s, it will be most people’s first experience of dealing with a long-term condition. Physical symptoms – abdominal pain, bloating or altered bowel habits – can dominate consultations with your doctor because of their impact on daily life. Sometimes the mental health side of IBS can get sidelined, but attention to your psychological needs can actually improve symptoms. Recognizing that there is a huge mental health burden is the first step, and taking measures to protect yourself is the next. Here we dig into these in more detail to keep yourself as well as you can be.

The short answer is yes you can, and if you do it’s called a ‘vaccine breakthrough infection’. However, you have much less chance of catching COVID-19 if you’re fully vaccinated and have had your booster, and you’re also much less likely to get seriously unwell or require hospital treatment, which is a very important reason to have the vaccine. In addition, if you do get COVID-19 after having had the vaccine in the past, the chance of you passing it on to others is much lower, making you less contagious.

It’s that time of year - the temperature goes down, the heating gets turned up, and people start to sniffle and sneeze with colds and flu-like illnesses. It doesn’t help that there are over 200 different cold viruses and it’s likely that most of us will catch at least one or two colds every year. A dry, scratchy sore throat is often the first sign followed by a runny nose, fatigue and loss of appetite. Flu, by contrast, is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the influenza virus and each year up to 15 percent of us will catch flu. Unlike a cold, the symptoms start suddenly and are more severe – high fever, extreme fatigue and aches are all common traits. Colds and flu are highly contagious. The virus is airborne, so every time a sufferer coughs, sneezes or talks, germs are spread. The virus can also be transferred by hand contact, so it’s important to wash your hands regularly.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is common among children but anyone can catch it at any age, but you can only catch it once. When adults get it, the symptoms are usually worse. Chickenpox virus spreads in the same way as those responsible for colds, flu and other infectious diseases. The virus is contained within droplets of mucus and saliva which are released into the air via coughing or sneezing. These droplets also fall onto objects and surfaces which, when touched, enable the virus to be easily transferred to another person. You only need to be in the same space with an infected person for a short period of time for this virus to spread to you. It's a very contagious infection - about 90% of people who have not previously had chickenpox will become infected when they come into contact with the virus. There is an incubation period of 7 to 21 days before the symptoms of chickenpox appear. Chickenpox can be caught from someone with shingles but not vice versa.

Long COVID describes the ongoing symptoms people feel after infection with COVID-19. Doctors term this post-COVID syndrome and class it as any symptoms lasting three months after your infection started. Recovery from COVID-19 infection differs from person to person. For many, the common symptoms of COVID-19 will resolve within a few weeks. We don’t yet know why, but some people are left with symptoms a long time after initial symptoms of the infection have improved. Severe illness with COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily make people more likely to get longstanding symptoms. We haven’t yet found any links between the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and the chance of getting longstanding symptoms. There is a lot we still don’t know.

Symptoms of COVID-19 have changed as the virus has evolved into different strains, and as the population has mostly become vaccinated. Those infected with the current most common strain, Omicron, are more likely to have milder symptoms like a cold or flu. This is especially true if you are fully vaccinated. You are likely to feel unwell for a few days but usually will be able to fight it off, especially if you are young, fit, and in good health. That said, no one enjoys the flu or even a cold very much, so let's take you through some simple measures to help you feel better.

A COVID-19 booster is an additional dose of vaccine that is given some time after people have received their first two vaccinations. Scientists determine the best time to give it, calculated for when your level of protection starts to wane. It then provides your immunity with the boost it needs to keep you maximally protected.

The vaccine slot’s booked, you’re all set to go, but first, just run through our checklist to make sure you’re in the best position healthwise to get your shot.

Covonia Dry & Tickly Cough Linctus is a cough medicine used to relieve dry and tickly coughs. It's available as a liquid to swallow and for adults and children aged 1 year and over.