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Common colds: Information for parents and carers of children Common colds: Information for parents and carers of children
When your child catches a cold, you naturally want to help them get better soon. Read more about 'What are common colds?' and 'How are common colds spread?'.
Did you know that antibiotics are completely ineffective against common colds? Antibiotics don't work on the viruses that cause common colds. Using antibiotics when they are not needed will make antibiotics less useful when they are really needed. Read more about 'Will antibiotics help?'.
Common colds usually get better on their own in 7–10 days. To tell the difference between colds and influenza click on Colds are not flu'.
If your child has a common cold, you can help them take it easy, relieve their symptoms and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if symptoms get worse. Find out what works before you visit our common colds site and kids' medicines site.
Get to know Harvey the wombat
Colouring-in sheets of Harvey
Children will love colouring in the 2 line drawings of Harvey the wombat. Common colds messages are at the bottom of the sheets.
Interactive story books
Enjoy reading these interactive online books with your child on the computer.
Note: You will need the free Macromedia Flash Player to read these online books. If you don't have this, you can download it here.
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.
Harvey catches a cold and visits the doctor
Parents can read our interactive online version with your children at home or borrow the book from your public library. Harvey visits Dr Steve with his mother and father.
Harvey catches a cold
Parents and young children will enjoy this online children's book released in 2005, Harvey catches a cold, introducing Harvey the wombat who beats his cold without antibiotics.
Date published: 2008-07-01 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.
