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Harvey says no to antibioticsHarvey says no to antibiotics
Common colds might be common in adults, but they’re even more common in children. They get an average of 5 – 10 colds a year.
Common colds are the bane of many parents’ lives. However, treating children’s colds with antibiotics is not a solution. A course of antibiotics won’t help them get over their colds faster, won’t stop their colds getting worse, and won’t stop them passing on their colds to other people. Antibiotics have no effect on infections caused by viruses, and the common cold is caused by a virus.
Common colds usually get better in 5 – 7 days, though the cough may take 1 – 2 weeks longer than the other symptoms to disappear. The best treatment for common colds is common sense.
The National Prescribing Service (NPS) has enlisted the help of Harvey the wombat to spread their message about common colds to young children and their parents and carers. They have produced a delightful children’s picture book, Harvey catches a cold, that tells how Harvey the wombat beats his common cold without antibiotics by spending the week resting, drinking enough fluids, and relieving his aches and pains, runny nose and chafed nostrils.
The book is being distributed to doctors’ waiting rooms and childcare centres, so children, parents and carers can read it at those locations. An interactive computer version that can be read to children at home is available here. If you’ve got young children or grandchildren, give them a treat by logging on to your computer, and reading Harvey catches a cold to them soon.
Further information for parents about managing common colds in children can be found at the back of the book, and on the NPS common colds campaign section of 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: 2005-06-01 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.
