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Common colds need common sense, they don’t need antibioticsCommon colds need common sense, they don’t need antibiotics
The overuse of antibiotics for the treatment of viral illnesses, such as the common cold, is a major problem in Australia.
Antibiotics can be life saving when used appropriately, but using them unnecessarily may make them less effective when they are needed. Statistics show that Australians are one of the biggest users of antibiotics in the developed world.
Antibiotics have no effect on common colds or the flu, because they fight only bacterial infections. Common colds, most coughs and sore throats, and the flu are caused by viruses. Yet one in five Australians think that antibiotics will treat their common cold or flu.
In an effort to reduce the personal and economic costs of the cold season, the National Prescribing Service (NPS) is conducting its annual ‘Common colds need common sense’ campaign.
The campaign aims to raise community awareness of appropriate ways of treating common colds and the flu without the use of antibiotics. The campaign has been run for four consecutive years. This year, it is encouraging people to play an active role in promoting to colleagues, friends and families the campaign’s key message, ‘Common colds need common sense: They don’t need antibiotics’.
The NPS suggests that people use the simple hints below to manage cold and flu symptoms:
- take it easy
- relieve the symptoms
- see your doctor or pharmacist if the cold worsens.
This year’s campaign will be launched on 1 June 2004 and will continue until the end of August. Television and radio advertisements will be run during the period. For more information visit the NPS 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: 2004-06-01 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.
