COLDS, FLU AND OTHER INFECTIONS

What you can do for a cold…
… to get better
Get plenty of rest to help your body’s immune system fight o the virus. Maintain an adequate fluid intake and avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE NEED ANTIBIOTICS?
Information for people over 55 and those with chronic conditions

… to relieve respiratory symptoms
For a sore throat, paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin may be helpful. Saline (salty water) nasal sprays or drops can help clear mucus. Steam inhalations can also help clear mucus from blocked sinuses. A decongestant, such as phenylephrine, may help ‘dry’ a runny nose or relieve blocked sinuses. Some cold and flu medicines used to relieve symptoms should not be taken by people with particular medical conditions or who are using certain other medicines. Decongestants should not be used for more than a few days. To choose the best medicine for you, always read the label and ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
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Be medicinewise
Find out how at nps.org.au/medicinewise Call NPS Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINES)

Join the fight against antibiotic resistance www.nps.org.au/antibiotics

Independent, not-for-profit and evidence based, NPS enables better decisions about medicines and medical tests. We are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. © 2012 National Prescribing Service Limited. ABN 61 082 034 393. This information is not intended to take the place of medical advice and you should seek advice from a qualified health professional. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that this information is accurate at the date of creation. 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.
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Do I need an antibiotic?
Cold and flu season is hard on everyone, but for some older people and those who have chronic (ongoing) health conditions, it’s especially di cult. They are more likely to develop complications (such as pneumonia) from simple respiratory tract infections (e.g. colds, flu and chest infections), which most other people recover from without antibiotics. You may be prescribed an antibiotic when you have a respiratory tract infection if you: are over the age of 55 and have health problems are a current or past smoker are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person have a lung problem like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, sometimes called emphysema) have cystic fibrosis have a long-term health condition such as diabetes or congestive heart failure have a weakened immune system have a disease that a ects your breathing such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis.

What to do if you are prescribed an antibiotic
If you, or someone you care for, are prescribed an antibiotic, make sure you: know how long you need to take it for — if this is not clear from the pharmacy label, ask your doctor or pharmacist always take the antibiotics for as long as your health professional