16 August 2006

This winter, the National Prescribing Service is reminding all Australians that, despite popular belief, common colds and influenza are conditions with different symptoms, even though both are caused by viruses. NPS also warns that antibiotics, which only work on infections caused by bacteria, have no effect on these viruses.

According to NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes, there are at least 200 known cold viruses in the world so the average person may get 2-4 colds each year. However, it is unlikely there will ever be a cure against common cold viruses. Influenza, on the other hand, is a less common but more severe viral infection that can usually be prevented by an annual vaccination.

Research conducted by NPS showed 1 in 4 Australians incorrectly believe antibiotics can treat a common cold or the flu. To combat this misconception, NPS is currently running its sixth common colds need common sense campaign, which aims to reduce the use of antibiotics for viral infections and help address the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance.

Dr Weekes says it is important for people to recognise the symptoms of a common cold and the flu: “flu symptoms usually start suddenly with a high fever and the whole body aches. Other symptoms may include a dry cough, shivering, sweating, severe muscle aches and irritation in the throat or lungs. The common cold affects the nose and throat only. Symptoms usually last for 5-7 days and may include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a dry cough, sore throat, or the feeling of having blocked ears. Fever with a cold is rare but occurs more often in children than adults.

“Unfortunately, there is no medical test to find out whether you have a common cold and there are no vaccinations currently available to prevent or treat common cold viruses. The best remedy is to take it easy, relieve the symptoms and see your doctor if your cold worsens,” she said.

Visit www.nps.org.au for more information on common colds, including why antibiotics don’t work on common colds and the latest evidence-based advice on treatment.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for people considered at risk of developing complications. These include people with severe asthma, diabetes, heart problems, kidney problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or any chronic illness. In addition people who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, pregnant, a health care worker or carer, immuno-suppressed or over 65 years of age should have an annual influenza vaccination.

The Australian Medical Association, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia and Child Health Association of Tasmania support NPS’s common colds need common sense, they don’t need antibiotics campaign and recognise the importance of improving people’s understanding that antibiotics do not treat common colds.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines. We provide accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and well-being. We are member-based and work in partnership with health professionals, government, pharmaceutical industry and consumers. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.