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Common cold - Independent medicine & health information for consumers & professionals Common cold
Latest independent information about common cold, including medicines and non-drug treatments, written and reviewed by experts in Australia.
Common cold is also known as colds or head colds.
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| Title | Description | Type | Audience  |
Date* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 in 5 Australians expect antibiotics for coughs or colds: new NPS campaign |
1 in 5 Australians expect their doctor to prescribe antibiotics for themselves and/or their child when they have a cough or cold, new research from NPS has found |
Media release | Others | 2012-04-19 19:00:00 |
Join the fight against antibiotic resistance |
Join the fight against antibiotic resistance |
Campaign | Consumers | 2012-03-14 00:00:00 |
Antibiotics don't affect viruses |
Antibiotics work only on infections caused by bacteria and have no effect on viruses. |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-07-08 00:00:00 |
Antibiotics don’t kill viruses - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
Antibiotic medicines do not kill viral infections (such as a cold or flu). Antibiotics only treat infections or diseases caused by bacteria. Learn more about antibiotics here. |
Web page | Consumers | 2012-04-05 00:00:00 |
Ask yourself: Is it a cold or the flu? |
Information about NPS's common colds need common sense campaign which aims to reduce problem of antibiotic resistance. |
Media release | Others | 2006-08-16 00:00:00 |
Be medicinewise with antibiotics |
In the wake of reports from a summit of infectious disease experts that antibiotic-resistant superbugs are becoming increasingly common around the world, NPS Medicinewise is reminding consumers antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections, not viruses |
Media release | Others | 2011-02-08 19:00:00 |
Biting the URTI: helping GPs target the use of antibiotics. Poster NMS 2008 |
A clinical audit cycle to improve appropriate use of antibiotics in commom respiratory and skin conditions presenting to general practice. Travers-Mason P, Parsons H, O’Riordan S, Mackson J, Mulligan K. National Medicines Symposium, 14-16 May 2008, Canberra, Australia. |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2008-05-16 00:00:00 |
Common colds: OH&S toolbox presentation 2008 |
The 2008 toolbox presentation is to be used in conjunction with the OH&S toolbox talk. It will aid presenters when providing important messages in the workplace about key infectious periods, ways to help protect staff from common colds, and why antibiotics won’t help people get back to work faster. |
Multimedia - Presentation | Consumers,Others | 2008-08-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: OH&S Toolbox talk 2008 |
The 2008 toolbox talk will provide some important messages about key infectious periods, ways to help protect staff from common colds, and why antibiotics won’t help people get back to work faster. It provides workplaces with an opportunity to improve the health and safety of employees at work and at home. |
Multimedia - Presentation | Consumers,Others | 2008-08-01 00:00:00 |
Cold hard facts: antibiotics and the common cold |
Lists facts about common colds, discouraging use of antibiotics. |
Media factsheet | Consumers,Others | 2005-05-01 00:00:00 |
Colds, coughs and flu: what you can do |
Colds are an infection of the respiratory tract that can cause a sore throat or cough. Learn more about colds and flu, and what you can do to relieve your symptoms. |
Web page | Consumers | 2012-04-30 00:00:00 |
Common cold - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
Common colds are caused by over 200 viruses & are very common. Learn more about the common cold & how our immune systems fight them off here. |
Topic overview | Consumers | 2012-04-04 00:00:00 |
Articles on common colds from NPS RADAR |
Get independent, evidence-based info on common colds. Written for doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals. |
Topic overview | Health Professionals | 2009-10-28 00:00:00 |
COMMON COLDS NEED |
Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-07-08 00:00:00 |
Video: Get the facts on common colds |
NPS's Dr Janette Randall, who was interviewed on Channel 9's Mornings with Kerri-Anne program, gives you useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold. |
Multimedia - Video | Consumers | 2008-08-08 00:00:00 |
Information: Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics |
NPS Common colds need common sense brochure 2008. |
Consumer publication - Brochure | Consumers,Health Professionals,Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds are viruses |
Common colds are viruses and usually get better in 7-10 days |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-07-08 00:00:00 |
Common colds need common sense, they don’t need antibiotics |
The NPS 'Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics' campaign aims to raise community awareness of ways to treat common colds and the flu without the use of antibiotics. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2004-06-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Information for children's services |
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them? On this site you will find useful tips and resources for prevention and treatment of the common cold for children's services. |
Web page | Consumers,Health Professionals | 2008-06-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Information for media |
Check out our campaigns to help journalists and other media learn about our common colds campaigns. |
Web page | Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Information for health professionals |
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them? On this site you will find useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold for doctors, pharmacists and nurses. |
Web page | Health Professionals,Consumers | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Information for schools |
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them? On this site you will find useful tips and resources for prevention and treatment of the common cold for schools. |
Web page | Consumers | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Information for workforce |
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them? On this site you will find useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold for the workforce. |
Web page | Consumers | 2008-08-04 00:00:00 |
Common colds need common sense, especially for our children, Poster NMS 2010 |
The NPS antbiotics program is the only national strategy aimed at reducung the use of antibiotics for viral respiratory tract infections. Travers-Mason P, Artist M, Vajda J, Trinh L, Azam R. National Medicine Symposium, 26-28 May 2010, Melbourne, Australia |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2010-05-28 00:00:00 |
Common colds: get the facts |
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them? On this site you will find useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold for parents and carers, children's services, schools, health professionals, workforce and the media. |
Web page | Consumers | 2008-08-25 00:00:00 |
2008 Common colds need common sense campaign |
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them? On this site you will find useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold for journalists and other media. |
Web page | Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds need common sense, they don't need antibiotics |
Pharmacists can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. |
Media release | Others | 2005-05-18 00:00:00 |
Common colds need common sense, they don't need antibiotics |
NPS's 2006 Common colds campaign helps GPs improve community knowledge about common colds as well as providing GPs with patient education materials, symptomatic management prescription pads and information to help patients correctly manage their common colds without antibiotics. |
Media release | Others | 2006-07-11 00:00:00 |
Common colds need common sense, they don't need antibiotics |
NPS is running its 6th common colds campaign which aims to reduce the use of antibiotics for common colds in adults and children. You can help a child fight a common cold by encouraging them to take it easy, relieving their symptoms, with or without medicines, and visiting the doctor if the symptoms get worse. |
Media release | Others | 2006-07-20 00:00:00 |
Common colds need common sense, they don't need antibiotics: approach supported in recent national and international publications |
Top medical journals have published research about antimicrobial resistance. NPS is targeting inappropriate antibiotics use through its program for doctors and pharmacists and its common colds campaign for the community. |
Media release | Others | 2006-07-13 00:00:00 |
Common colds need common sense, they don't need antibiotics - just ask Harvey |
NPS's 2005 common colds need common sense campaign |
Media release | Others | 2005-05-18 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Green snot = good! Sorting facts from fiction |
The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is aiming to help parents and carers better understand and manage common colds with its Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign. |
Media release | Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Community Update 8 |
August/September 2006 issue of NPS Community newsletter for NPS members, directors and management committee, and rural, CALD and seniors QUM (quality use of medicines) programs. |
Consumer publication - Community Update | Consumers,Members & Stakeholders | 2006-08-01 00:00:00 |
Complementary medicines and the common cold: Information for health professionals |
Information on efficacy, precautions and safety issues associated with the use of vitamin C, echinacea, or zinc for treatment or prevention of the common cold. |
Professional publication - NPS factsheet | Health Professionals | 2004-06-01 00:00:00 |
Complementary therapies - jury is out on cold prevention |
If you want to avoid a cold over winter, your best chance to do so is to practice good hygiene techniques rather than take preventive medicines, according to the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign. |
Media release | Others,Consumers | 2008-07-09 00:00:00 |
Cough and cold medicines can cause serious side effects in young children |
Coughs and colds in young children can be a major burden on many families. In the latest edition of Australian Prescriber, Dr Valerie Sung and Dr Noel Cranswick from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne consider the evidence against cough products for children and suggest alternative remedies that parents can try. |
Media release | Others | 2009-10-01 19:00:00 |
Medicines for coughs and colds - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
Learn about over-the-counter cough & cold medicines, including who should not take them, side effects & their effectiveness. |
Web page | Consumers | 2012-05-11 00:00:00 |
Artist, M. Poster NMS 2006 |
Artist M. Debunking the myths on antibiotics for common colds in children, National Medicines Symposium, 7–9 June 2006, Canberra, Australia |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2006-06-09 00:00:00 |
Extended prescribing rights, cough and cold medicines and managing anaemia in chronic kidney disease in the October edition of Australian Prescriber |
The October edition of Australian Prescriber is out now and examines topical issues. |
Media release | Others | 2009-10-01 19:00:00 |
Good hygiene not pills the best way of avoiding a cold |
Want to avoid a cold over winter? Your best chance to do so is to practice good hygiene techniques rather than take preventive medicines, according to the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign. |
Media release | Others | 2008-06-24 00:00:00 |
Got a cold and feeling lousy? |
Most of us will catch a common cold this winter. Read on for a few hints to help ease your discomfort. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2010-07-26 00:00:00 |
Got a cold? No pill will cure that ill |
National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) has a clear message for anyone with a cold who wants an antibiotic: don’t bother as they simply don’t work for viruses. |
Media release | Others | 2008-08-05 00:00:00 |
Harvey closes common cold case - antibiotics are out |
NPS has developed a new book for young families and carers called Harvey catches a cold, and it closes the case on the common cold and antibiotics. |
Media release | Others | 2005-05-18 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Harvey colour-in sheets |
Children will love colouring in the 2 line drawings of Harvey the wombat. Common colds messages are at the bottom of the sheets. |
Web page | Consumers,Health Professionals,Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Harvey says no to antibiotics |
Harvey the wombat promotes the message that common colds in children and others can't be treated using antibiotics. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2005-06-01 00:00:00 |
Help prevent global antibiotic resistance: only take it if you need it |
It's that time of year again when it seems everyone around you has a cough or cold. While many people go to see their GP expecting to be prescribed antibiotics, the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) urges people to try other remedies first. |
Media release | Others | 2009-06-29 19:00:00 |
How is a cold diagnosed? - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
If you have a cold, it’s usually not necessary to see a doctor for a diagnosis. However, there are some exceptions, for example if you are asthmatic or diabetic. Read more here. |
Web page | Consumers | 2012-04-04 00:00:00 |
How to get better |
Colds usually get better on their own in 7-10 days, but there are things you can do to help you fight the cold and feel better. |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-07-08 00:00:00 |
I've got a cold! |
Educates adult ESL patients on home care for the common cold, including appropriate use of antibiotics and prevention of disease transmission. |
Consumer resource - Kit - ESL teaching resource | Consumers | 2010-11-17 00:00:00 |
I've got a cold! activity book |
Provides activities for teaching adult ESL patients about home care for the common cold, including appropriate use of antibiotics and prevention of disease transmission. |
Consumer resource - Kit - ESL teaching resource | Consumers | 2010-11-17 00:00:00 |
Important information about this year’s flu shot |
If you usually spend winter sniffling and coughing it’s time to see your doctor about getting the seasonal flu shot, the National Prescribing Service (NPS) is reminding Australians. |
Media release | Others | 2010-04-20 19:00:00 |
Influenza (Flu) - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
The flu (influenza) is not the same infection as a common cold - the symptoms are more severe & last for longer. Read more about the flu including symptoms, treatments & diagnosis. |
Topic overview | Consumers | 2012-04-19 00:00:00 |
Caring for kids with colds |
Advice on preventing the spread of colds, and managing colds without the use of antibiotics. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2006-06-01 00:00:00 |
Kids and common colds: try non-medicine treatments |
Worried parents seeking to ease their children’s cold symptoms with popular over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are being urged to instead try non-medicine options and talk to their pharmacist or doctor if concerned. |
Media release | Others | 2008-06-24 00:00:00 |
Managing the common cold |
Clinical audit used to assist pharmacists and pharmacy staff to review their recommendations of nonprescription drugs for the management of the common cold. |
Professional activity - Pharmacy Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2008-04-26 00:00:00 |
Managing the common cold |
Pharmacy letter on managing the common cold including symptom management, the benefits and risks of medicines and when to refer. Includes self-audit information. |
Professional publication - Pharmacy Letter | Health Professionals | 2002-06-01 00:00:00 |
MedicinesTalk No. 18 Winter 2006 edition |
MedicinesTalk No. 18 Winter 2006 edition, containing older italians hungry for information, diabetes explained, managing diabetes, don't let your medicines trip you up, and kids and the common cold. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2006-06-01 00:00:00 |
MedicinesTalk No. 33 Autumn 2010 |
MedicinesTalk Autumn 2010 has articles on medicine interactions, vitamins and minerals, common colds and what information is on a PBS script. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2010-07-26 00:00:00 |
National Consumer Survey No. 5: Executive summary |
Summary of the fifth national survey of drugs and consumers undertaken by the National Prescribing Service. |
Corporate publication - Evaluation report | Research & Evaluation community | 2006-01-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Newsletter articles |
Use our free short articles with tips and treatments for common colds in your newsletters to parents. |
Corporate publication - Academic article by NPS | Consumers,Health Professionals,Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
NPS Evaluation Report No. 4: NPS programs for QUM in the community, February 2002 |
Evaluation of NPS programs including the common colds campaign. Also discusses local services from divisional facilitators and priorities for future services to consumers. |
Corporate publication - Evaluation report | Research & Evaluation community | 2002-02-01 00:00:00 |
Management of URTIs |
Discusses management of upper respiratory tract infections, allergic reactions and side-effects of penicillin. Sinusitis management case study |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2001-04-01 00:00:00 |
Antibiotic resistance and consumer education |
Covers antibiotic resistance with a focus on S. pneumoniae, antibiotics for urinary tract infections and consumer education about colds and flu. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2002-04-01 00:00:00 |
Antibiotics in RTI and UTI |
This NPS NEWS features antibiotic prescribing for community acquired pneumonia, the common colds project and role of antibiotics for urinary tract infections in the elderly. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2005-06-01 00:00:00 |
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 12: Are you under pressure to prescribe newer antibiotics? |
Information on how to evaluate studies comparing antibiotics, along with advice on judicious use of these agents in respiratory tract infections and acute otitis media. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2001-06-01 00:00:00 |
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 18: Antibiotics in primary care |
Information on strategies to help reduce antibiotic use in URTIs (includes two patient information leaflets) along with advice on antibiotic selection in UTIs. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2002-05-01 00:00:00 |
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 21: Antibiotics in general practice |
Information on explaining the duration of antibiotic therapy, along with antibiotic prescribing trends and the common cold campaign. Sample feedback prescribing data is also provided. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2003-05-15 00:00:00 |
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 3: Role of antibiotics in treating acute bronchitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections |
Information questioning whether there is unnecessary use of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, along with prescribing points to guide appropriate use in such conditions. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 1999-04-01 00:00:00 |
Our antibiotic “addiction” is not helping our children fight their colds |
NPS has a clear message for parents seeking to ease their child’s cold by asking their doctor for antibiotics: don’t bother, as antibiotics simply don’t work for a common cold. |
Media release | Others | 2008-08-04 00:00:00 |
Parents / carers of children 2-9 years managing colds |
What NPS can offer parents and carers of children 2-9 years – what they can do, articles they might find interesting. |
Web page | Consumers | 2008-02-12 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Information for parents and carers of children |
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them? On this site you will find useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold for parents and carers of children. |
Web page | Consumers | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Preventing the common cold - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
If you don’t want to catch a common cold, good hygiene is the key. Read more about preventing colds & other respiratory tract infections (RTIs). |
Web page | Consumers | 2012-04-04 00:00:00 |
Respiratory tract infections - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
Comprehensive information about respiratory tract infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia & the common cold. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, management & treatment of respiratory tract infections. Useful links & resources are included |
Topic overview | Consumers | 2012-04-20 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Screensavers |
Download our fun screensaver (for PC and Mac) to see Harvey practise managing his cold. |
Web page | Consumers,Health Professionals,Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: Staff update 2008 |
This update is to help staff refresh their knowledge about common colds and infection control; review the service's infection control and exclusion policies; and become familiar with our resources so that you can support parents through the common colds season. |
Multimedia - Presentation | Health Professionals,Others | 2008-07-01 00:00:00 |
Common colds: The cold and the beautiful poster |
Display this bright, full colour A4 sized poster in shared areas around the workplace. It provides some important common colds messages. |
Consumer resource - Poster | Consumers,Others | 2008-08-01 00:00:00 |
What are the symptoms of a cold? - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
Symptoms of the common cold include a sore throat, cough & sneezing. Read more about the symptoms of cold & how long the infection lasts for. |
Web page | Consumers | 2012-04-04 00:00:00 |
What are the medicines and treatments for a cold? - Independent Australian health & medicines information |
Read about why antibiotics are not prescribed for colds and learn about different medicines available to relieve cold symptoms, including paracetamol, decongestants & nasal sprays, & useful tips to relieve cold symptoms. |
Web page | Consumers | 2012-04-04 00:00:00 |
When to see your doctor |
Common colds may aggravate ongoing medical conditions (e.g. asthma or diabetes). See your doctor if this occurs. |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-07-08 00:00:00 |
Information on this website is published by NPS — an independent, evidence based, not-for-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
NPS develops its information under the guidance of experts in their field, editorial panels, expert reviewers and consumers. Find out more about how we develop our content.
Date published: 2010-12-17 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.
© 2012 National Prescribing Service Limited. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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