Common colds: get the facts Common colds: get the facts

Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them?

Colds are caused by viruses and usually get better on their own in 7–10 days. Antibiotics work only on bacteria, not the viruses which cause common colds. Therefore, antibiotics 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.

However, good hygiene practices will help reduce your risk of catching a cold and spreading it to someone else.

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.

On this site you will find useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold.

A cartoon woman worries about her boyfriend's cold. 'He's so good with his hands, but are they clean?'

Harvey the cartoon wombat sits in bed with a cold. He whimpers.

Check out information and order useful resources specifically for:

For the media, find out:

Get the facts

Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics

This brochure explains the limited role of antibiotics for treating colds, provides common sense and evidence-based advice on treating symptoms and alerts you to symptoms that should be seen by a doctor. (Updated May 2008)

Create your own pop art email

Be a star in your own cartoon and email it to your friends.

Interviews

Dr Janette Randall on Mornings with Kerri-Anne

NPS on Mornings with Kerri-Anne

NPS's Dr Janette Randall was interviewed on Channel 9's Mornings with Kerri-Anne program on August 8, 2008.

Click here to see the interview, where Dr Randall talks about common colds and how to treat them properly (20MB MPG).

Resources

Interactive childrens' book: Don't spread it!

Congratulations to Litchfield Christian School. Read their book, Don't spread it!, judged the winner of the NPS Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics schools competition 2007.

Note: You will need the free Macromedia Flash Player to read this online book. If you don't have this, you can download it here.

Screenshot from Harvey's screensaver

Commons colds screensaver

Download our fun screensaver (for PC and Mac) to see Harvey practise managing his cold. Send a get well email message with the screensaver, to a friend with a cold.

Endorsing this campaign

The following organisations support the NPS Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign and recognise the importance of improving people's understanding that antibiotics do not treat common colds:

Australian Medical Association
Country Children's Services Association NSW.

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