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Got a cold and feeling lousy?Got a cold and feeling lousy?

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Most of us will catch a common cold this winter, so here are a few hints to help ease your discomfort.

What can help?

Common colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics fight only bacterial infections, so taking them for a cold will have no effect.

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Antibiotics have no effect on common colds

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There are many things you can do to relieve the symptoms of colds without taking a medicine:

  • Take it easy or rest, so your immune system can fight the infection
  • Loosen and clear your blocked sinuses and nose by:
    • Using saline (salt water) nose sprays or drops
    • having a hot shower and inhaling the steam
    • filling a bowl with hot water and inhaling the steam. Do not use for children as the steam may burn the lining of their nose and they may spill the hot water.
  • Drink soothing liquids
  • Use an ointment to soothe dry and chapped skin around the nose
  • Gargle warm salty water
  • Suck an iceblock or throat lozenge.
Many ‘cough and cold’ medicines are sold to relieve the symptoms of colds. However, good quality research indicates that very few are effective, particularly in children, and they may not be suitable for children under two years. In addition, some of the active ingredients can interact with some commonly used prescription medicines.

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Similarly, decongestants are not usually effective in children under 12, and are not safe for adults if they have certain health conditions, or take certain medicines.

Before using a cough and cold medicine or decongestant, check the medicine’s label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about whether the medicine is safe for you.

See your doctor if your symptoms come on suddenly, are severe, last longer than usual, or aggravate any other ongoing medical conditions.

For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or visit the NPS common colds website.  

MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.

Date published: 2010-07-26 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.