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COMMON COLDS NEED
COMMON SENSE,
NOT ANTIBIOTICS
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but they usually get better on their own in 7–10 days.
Antibiotics won't help. They only work on bacteria, not the viruses that cause common colds, so they won't help a cold get better faster or stop it from getting worse, and they won't stop a cold from spreading to others.
If you get a cold, rest — give your immune system time to fight the cold and relieve the symptoms. See your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms come on suddenly, are severe or last longer than usual.
Good hygiene practices will help reduce your risk of catching a cold and spreading it to someone else.
Sneezesafe
NPS is supporting Sneezesafe, an exciting and fun respiratory hygiene educational program. Sneezesafe is designed to teach children about coughs, colds and flu in the classroom and at home, to provide good hygiene habits and help prevent the spread of viruses.
Using a combination of entertaining Internet based games and free teaching materials, Sneezesafe has been developed by Australian teachers for Australian school children in the early years of education.
The Sneezesafe program is consistent with all state health curriculum and the Federal Government’s guidelines relating to the control of viruses like the flu and common cold.
Visit www.sneezesafe.com.au to find out whether your child’s school is participating.
Date published: 2011-07-08 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
