For consumers
(1300 633 424)
Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm AEST
Your call will be answered by healthdirect Australia
For health professionals
Find out the active ingredient and other brand names of your medicines with the NPS Medicine Name Finder
For a medicinewise Australia
Independent. Not-for-profit. Evidence based.
Site Tools
Quick Links
Media enquiriesJournalists & editors Contact Stephanie Childs,
Media Manager
Call: (02) 8217 8667 or
0419 618 365
Email an enquiry
Contact us
2008 Common colds need common sense campaign 2008 Common colds need common sense campaign
Common colds can make you feel lousy, but do you actually know what causes them?
Colds are caused by viruses and usually get better on their own in 7–10 days. Antibiotics work only on bacteria, not the viruses which cause common colds. Therefore, antibiotics won't help a cold get better faster or stop it from getting worse, and they won't stop a cold from spreading to others.
However, good hygiene practices will help reduce your risk of catching a cold and spreading it to someone else.
If you get a cold, rest — give your immune system time to fight the cold and relieve the symptoms. See your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms come on suddenly, are severe or last longer than usual.
On this site you will find useful tips for prevention and treatment of the common cold.
 |
 |
|
Check out information and order useful resources specifically for: |
Check out information and order useful resources specifically for: |
For the media, find out:
Get the facts
Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics
This brochure explains the limited role of antibiotics for treating colds, provides common sense and evidence-based advice on treating symptoms and alerts you to symptoms that should be seen by a doctor. (Updated May 2008)
Create your own pop art email
Be a star in your own cartoon and email it to your friends.
Interviews
NPS on Mornings with Kerri-Anne
NPS's Dr Janette Randall was interviewed on Channel 9's Mornings with Kerri-Anne program on August 8, 2008.
Click here to see the interview, where Dr Randall talks about common colds and how to treat them properly (20MB MPG).
Resources
Interactive childrens' book: 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.
Note: You will need the free Macromedia Flash Player to read this online book. If you don't have this, you can download it here.
Commons colds screensaver
Download our fun screensaver (for PC and Mac) to see Harvey practise managing his cold. Send a get well email message with the screensaver, to a friend with a cold.
Endorsing this campaign
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
- Australian Medical Association
- Country Children's Services Association NSW.
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.
