9 July 2008

If you want to avoid a cold over winter, your best chance to do so is to practice good hygiene techniques rather than take preventive medicines, according to the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign.

Executive Manager of Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Programs for NPS, Karen Kaye, said many people take vitamins, mineral supplements and other herbal remedies at this time of year to avoid a cold.

“The evidence currently at hand seems to indicate that vitamin C supplements, zinc and echinacea do not assist in cold prevention,” she said. “In the case of echinacea particularly, the quality of these medicines can differ greatly and most have not been tested in good quality clinical trials.”

For treating colds she says an expert review of clinical studies of Vitamin C supplements, taken after symptoms show, did not give reliable effects in decreasing the duration or severity of symptoms. Zinc has not been shown to reduce the length or severity of a cold. Interestingly, a review of clinical studies published this year concluded that Echinacea purpurea, a specific variety of the plant, may be effective in the early treatment of colds in adults, but the results are unreliable. “A consistent problem is the quality of the clinical trials used to test these medicines,” she said.

Ms Kaye suggests basic hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently with soap; keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth; and, not sharing crockery and cutlery are the best ways to avoid catching one of the two to four colds that the average adult gets every year.

Cold symptoms usually begin one to two days after contact with the virus and you are most infectious in the early days of a cold. Symptoms usually improve in seven to 10 days.

And if you already have a cold? Rest, stop smoking and treat the symptoms. “Firstly, rest – give your immune system time to fight the cold,” Ms Kaye urged. She says drinking something soothing, gargling warm salty water or sucking on ice or a throat lozenge may provide relief from a sore throat. Saline (salt water) sprays or drops or inhaling steam from the shower will help clear mucus.

“Antibiotics won’t help your cold get better faster and won’t stop a cold from spreading to others because they simply don’t work on the viruses which cause common colds,” Ms Kaye said.

Remember that medicines include over-the-counter preparations, vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements as well as what is prescribed for you by your doctor. If you are contemplating taking a medicine, weigh up the clinical evidence before you make a purchase. Visit www.nps.org.au/commoncolds or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice and always read the label. If your symptoms come on suddenly, are severe or last longer than usual, visit your doctor.

The NPS Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign is the only Australia-wide strategy aimed at reducing the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For more information on treatment or the symptoms that should be seen by a doctor visit www.nps.org.au/commoncolds. For independent information about prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines call Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 to talk to a pharmacist between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday, Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the cost of a local call (mobiles may cost more).

ENDS

NPS is a non-profit organisation, independent of government and the pharmaceutical industry. NPS works with doctors, health professionals, government, industry and consumers to improve health through Quality Use of Medicines. The information NPS provides is based on critical analyses of current evidence, and is consistent with nationally recognised guidelines. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.