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What is a bacterial infection ?
Viral Infections are
not cured by antibiotics.
How do I prevent a cold from spreading ?
About Colds and Flu
Colds,
Flu and Bacterial Infections are Different Illnesses
Most colds are caused by viruses.
Infections from a cold virus may cause a stuffy nose, a mild fever, a
sore throat or just make you generally feel miserable.
Cold symptoms may last from 4 to 14 days.
Colds become less common as people get older; children may have as many
as 10 colds a year, while elderly people may only have 1 cold a year or none at
all.
Most people refer to a cold as "the
flu" but influenza or the real Flu is a specific illness,
different from a cold.
Like colds, viruses cause the Flu.
It tends to occur in small outbreaks or epidemics.
Up to 15% of people over 20 years old catch the Flu each year.
The Flu has the following symptoms, which
distinguish it from a cold:
.
Sudden
or rapid onset of symptoms
.
High
temperature
. Chills and fever
.
Headache
.
Weakness
and aching muscles
.
Loss
of appetite
Most flu symptoms usually clear in 7 to 10 days.
People with the flu are likely to need to take several days off work.
Antibiotics are not useful against
viruses.
They are only useful against bacteria.
What
are Bacterial Infections ?
Bacterial infections may also cause cold or
flu-like symptoms but more often they are responsible for infection in one
particular site, such as the ear, tonsils or sinuses.
Your doctor will assess whether the infection you
Have will benefit from antibiotics.
Viral
Infections are not Affected by Antibiotics
Because colds and flu are caused by viruses,
they cannot be cured with antibiotics. You
body's own immune system will attack and kill the virus in a few days.
If you doctor assesses your symptoms and
believes you have a viral illness you will not be prescribed an antibiotic.
Antibiotics do not stop colds from getting
worse.
It
is not Necessary to Get Rid of all Bacteria
Not all bacteria are harmful.
Healthy bodies carry millions of useful bacteria, mainly in our gut where
they help digest food. Normally our
bodies can control these bacteria.
Antibiotics
may be Harmful
Antibiotics are designed to harm bacteria and
not us. Sometimes antibiotics kill
useful bacteria and cause unwanted effects such as diarrhoea, stomach pains and
thrush. Nausea, vomiting and skin
rashes may also occur due to antibiotics.
For these reasons your doctor will not wish to
give you an antibiotic unless it is considered necessary for your infection.
Bacteria
may become 'used to' Antibiotics
Antibiotics attack bacteria.
As part of the bacteria's normal defense against this attack bacteria can
become 'used to' or resistant to particular antibiotics.
This means that antibiotics may lose their effectiveness and not work
very well. Bacterial resistance to
antibiotics is increasing. It is
important not to overuse antibiotics, especially by using them unnecessarily for
viral infections.
So do not expect your doctor to
prescribe an
antibiotic for every infection.
BUT
If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, it is important
To take them all as directed and to finish the entire course.
So
What Can I do for My Cold ?
There are no instant cures for viral colds and
flu but some of the following suggestions may make you feel more comfortable.
Rest
A warm comfortable environment will help your
immune system fight off the viruses that cause colds and flu.
Take a day or two off work if you need it.
Plenty
of Fluids
Drink plenty of fluid (eg. Water, dilute fruit
juice) to prevent the membranes in your nose and throat drying out and to
replace fluids lost from your body.
Regular
Paracetamol or Aspirin-based Products
Take every 4 to 6 hours for up to 3 days or as
directed to reduce fever and relieve aches and pains. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the most appropriate
medicine and dose.
Children should not be
given aspirin-based products.
Steam
Inhalations
Breathing in steam during a hot shower can help
you clear mucus from blocked sinuses, relieve nasal congestion and chest
tightness. Alternatively, you can
breathe in steam by placing your head over a bowl of hot (but not boiling) water
using a towel over your head to trap the steam.
A
Decongestant
These may help 'dry' a runny nose or relieve
blocked sinuses. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist about an appropriate decongestant.
Do not use for more than 5 days.
Lozenges
and Gargles
Throat lozenges or gargling warm salted water may
help to relieve a sore throat.
When
Should I See the Doctor ?
Children
See the doctor if your child:
. Is not improving
.
Is
very irritable, grizzly or sleepy
.
Breathes
very fast
.
Refuses
food or drinks
.
Has
a sore throat
.
Has
sore ears
.
Coughs
a lot
.
Has
a mild fever
Adults
See the doctor if you:
.
Have
worsening symptoms
.
Are
not improving after a few days
See your doctor if you are worried about how sick
you
or your child are at any time.
If you have other medical problems you should
see your doctor earlier.
How
Can I Prevent a Cold Spreading to Everyone in the Family ?
Cold and flu viruses are spread by transferring
droplets of fluid from your nose or mouth.
You may prevent this by:
.
Keeping you hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
.
Hand washing
with plenty of soap and water.
.
Not sharing cups
or cutlery.
.
Using paper tissues to blow your nose and throwing them away after use.
Remember
to wash your hands after covering your mouth for a sneeze.
.
Making your home a smoke-free zone as smoke can irritate the nose and lungs
and
may increase a child's susceptibility to a cold.
A vaccine is available to help protect you from influenza (the Flu). It will not stop the common cold. The Flu vaccine is recommended, and is free, for all people 65 years and over, and for people under 65 years with a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes or kidney problems. Please see your doctor or practice nurse for more information about the vaccine.
If
you or your child develop any of the danger symptoms of MENINGITIS such as:
.
Severe headache or neck pain
.
Eyes intolerant to light
.
Drowsy, floppy, less alert or difficult to wake
.
Skin rash
.
High fever
.
Vomiting
.
Unusual or high pitched cry
You
must contact a Doctor IMMEDIATELY
