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Colds, cough and flu
Influenza or 'the flu' is a major cause of illness and death, particularly in the very old and the very young. Influenza is transmitted from person-to-person, through coughing, sneezing, and hand-to-hand contact with subsequent touching of the nose. As we age, our immune system has to work harder to fight the influenza virus. Read about the latest evidence on this topic.
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Can oseltamivir (Tamiflu) prevent complications?
Informed Health OnlineOseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) is a drug that is meant to prevent complications like pneumonia when you have the flu. Research shows that Tamiflu makes flu symptoms go away sooner, but has side effects like headaches and nausea. Help protect yourself from the flu by washing your hands regularly. -
Sinusitis: Should I have surgery?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people diagnosed with chronic sinusitis decide on whether or not to have surgery by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It offers alternative methods to surgery such as taking medicine and using home treatment. -
Does vitamin C keep you healthy?
Informed Health OnlineResearch shows that vitamin C supplements do not prevent colds but can shorten the time you have cold symptoms and how sick you feel if taken before you have cold symptoms. -
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Intranasal steroids versus placebo or no intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016) -
Different types of intranasal steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016) -
Acute sinusitis (sinus infection)
UpToDate - patient informationSymptoms of sinusitis include blocked nose, nose or face pain and thick, abnormal nose discharge. Get immediate treatment if you have a high fever, severe pain, double vision or swelling around your eyes. -
Flu vaccines lower risk of pneumonia and death among older adults living in care
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2014) -
Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014) -
Interventions to increase influenza vaccination rates of those 60 years and older in the community
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014) -
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For acute bronchitis, antibiotics can reduce cough by about half a day but can cause side-effects
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014) -
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Influenza (flu)
Mayo ClinicInfluenza is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system. People over the age of 65 are at higher risk of getting complications from the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine can help protect you from the flu. -
Acute sinusitis
Mayo ClinicTo relieve symptoms of sinusitis try getting more rest and plenty of fluids, use a humidifier and apply warm compresses. Sleep with your head elevated. Nasal sprays, decongestants and pain relievers may also help. -
How much protection do flu vaccinations offer?
Informed Health OnlineGet the flu shot every year. This can reduce your risk of getting the flu by more than half. The flu shot is especially important for people over the age of 60, or anyone with asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or HIV. -
Sinusitis: Should I take antibiotics?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to take antibiotics to treat sinusitis by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
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How does Fluzone High-Dose differ from other flu vaccines?
Mayo ClinicFluzone High-Dose is a flu vaccine for adults over 65 that is intended to protect older adults better than the regular flu shot. Side effects of this vaccine include fever and soreness. More research is needed about its effectiveness. -
Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
Mayo ClinicFlu shots are one of the best ways to protect against influenza and its complications. These shots are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. Check with your doctor before getting a flu shot if you have an allergy to eggs or if you've had a bad reaction to a previous flu shot. -
Bronchitis: Should I take antibiotics?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people with acute bronchitis decide on whether or not to take antibiotics by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Echinacea: Is it effective for the common cold?
Mayo ClinicThere is little evidence that taking echinacea will help you get over a cold faster or reduce cold symptoms. If you take other medications, talk to your doctor before taking echinacea. -
Treating acute sinusitis
Informed Health OnlineAcute sinusitis is most often caused by the common cold and can last up to a few weeks. Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, severe facial pain and a high fever. Treatment options include nasal sprays and antibiotics. -
Flu shots: Especially important if you have heart disease
Mayo ClinicHeart disease puts you at higher risk of complications from the flu. Getting a flu shot can help protect you. Flu shots are safe for most people with heart disease, talk to your doctor if you are unsure. -
Different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016) -
How can you protect yourself from respiratory infections?
Informed Health OnlineViruses that cause respiratory infections spread through droplets that travel from someone with the cold or flu virus to others. Wash your hands often, don't touch your face, and don't share cups or bottles with others to reduce your risk of infection. -
Relief for a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat
Informed Health OnlineThere are no treatments that fight common cold viruses directly. Painkillers and nasal sprays may help relieve symptoms, but the benefits of many treatments are not well studied or have no proven effect. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. -
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Chronic cough
Mayo ClinicA chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer. Visit your doctor if you have this problem or if you cough up blood. Drink fluids, suck hard candies, use a humidifier and avoid smoke. Details about symptoms, causes and treatments in this resource. -
Can acute sinusitis be treated with antibiotics?
Informed Health OnlineAcute sinusitis (sinus inflammation) does not usually respond to antibiotics. Symptoms often improve after 1-2 weeks. If your symptoms last longer, see your doctor. More details in this resource. -
Common colds
Informed Health OnlineThe common cold is usually harmless and goes away on its own. Avoid touching your face and wash your hands with soap to prevent getting a cold. There is no cure for the common cold but there are medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol), as well as decongestant (anti-swelling) nasal sprays that can help relieve symptoms. -
Penicillin V and erythromycin do not improve voice disturbances in acute laryngitis in adults
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013) -
Vitamin C does not prevent the common cold but may reduce its duration and severity
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013) -
Flu: Should I take antiviral medicine?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to take antiviral medicine to treat or prevent the flu by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to get a flu vaccine by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Evidence and uncertainty on remedies for the common cold
Evidently CochraneGarlic may help prevent common colds. Zinc taken within 24 hours of a cold may reduce symptoms, but there are no known benefits of Echinacea for treating colds. More research is needed on the benefits of Vitamin C for cold symptoms. -
Influenza immunisation
Patient.co.ukGet the flu shot every year to protect against the seasonal flu if you are over 65 years old, pregnant, have diabetes, have a poor immune system or have chronic heart and lung conditions. Do not get the flu shot if you have severe egg allergies or have had bad reactions to the flu shot before. -
Sore throat: Should I take antibiotics?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people with a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection decide on whether or not to take antibiotics by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Flu and the flu vaccine
NHS ChoicesIf you are over 65 or have a serious medical condition, you may be more vulnerable to the effects of flu. Talk to your doctor about getting an annual flu shot. -
Can vitamin D ward off acute respiratory tract infections?
Looking for ways to ward off acute respiratory tract infections? Vitamin D3 supplements may be your answer to helping prevent these unwelcome events. -
Help flu shots stick with prebiotics and probiotics?
Preventing the flu is top-of-mind for many people during flu season. Supplementation with prebiotics or probiotics may be one way to enhance the flu shot’s protective effects. -
'Tis the season... Have you had your flu shot yet?
It’s quick, easily available, virtually painless and the first line of attack against a nasty bout of flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone and is particularly critical for those with weakened or compromised immune systems such as older adults living in long-term care facilities. -
Does vitamin C help with the common cold?
Vitamin C taken regularly as a supplement doesn't change the frequency of catching a cold but may help a little with the duration and the severity of your symptoms.
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