Accurate, balanced evidence-based information about medicines
Common colds: Information for health professionals Common colds: Information for health professionals
We continue our work with you and the community towards improving appropriate use of antibiotics to help combat the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.
To help you this year the Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign will encourage common sense hygiene practices and common sense treatment of cold symptoms.
See the wide range of resources below for support with patient and community education.
Resources
Staff update 2008
Staff update presenter's guide
Please note: PDF is 63 pages long and may take time to download.
For those who have registered and confirmed staff updates with the NPS, a hardcopy of the kit will arrive in the mail.
Staff update presentation
Download this presentation for use in staff updates in conjunction with the Staff update presenter's guide.
Symptomatic management pads
To 'prescribe' for the management of symptoms.
Patient information leaflets
Download the patient information leaflets below (not available in hard copy):
Brochure
Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics
This brochure helps you explain the limited role of antibiotics for colds and ways to manage symptoms in plain English.
The brochure includes updated recommendations for treating common colds, including:
- the uncertain benefits from using zinc, vitamin C and echinacea for a cold
- limiting the use of oral and topical decongestants to children who are aged 12 years and older
- the lack of efficacy studies for many 'cough and cold' and 'cold and flu' medicines: particularly the lack of evidence for safety in children.
Poster
Keep your cold under control
Display in your entry foyer or on walls or doors.
Email us to tell us what you think of our materials.
