Colds, cough and flu

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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.

Does vitamin C help with the common cold?

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'Tis the season... Have you had your flu shot yet?

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51 Show All 5Blog Posts 22Evidence Summaries 24Web Resource Ratings 6Patient Decision Aids

Evidence Summary

Echinacea may help to slightly reduce the risk of getting an upper respiratory tract infection, but does not decrease length of illness
Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019)
Evidence Summary

Taking probiotic or prebiotic supplements before receiving specific influenza vaccines can improve the protective effects of the vaccines in adults
Nutrients (2017)
Evidence Summary

Antibiotics for acute rhinosinusitis in adults.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Evidence Summary

Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Evidence Summary

Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Web Resource Rating

Can oseltamivir (Tamiflu) prevent complications?
Informed Health Online

Oseltamivir (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.
Patient Decision Aid

Sinusitis: Should I have surgery?
OHRI

This 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.
Web Resource Rating

Does vitamin C keep you healthy?
Informed Health Online

Research 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.
Evidence Summary

Short-course oral steroids alone for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the common cold.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

Systemic and topical antibiotics for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Intranasal steroids versus placebo or no intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Different types of intranasal steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Web Resource Rating

Acute sinusitis (sinus infection)
UpToDate - patient information

Symptoms 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.
Evidence Summary

Flu vaccines lower risk of pneumonia and death among older adults living in care
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2014)
Evidence Summary

Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
Evidence Summary

Interventions to increase influenza vaccination rates of those 60 years and older in the community
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014)
Evidence Summary

Flu vaccine reduces cardiovascular events
JAMA (2013)
Evidence Summary

For acute bronchitis, antibiotics can reduce cough by about half a day but can cause side-effects
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
Evidence Summary

Delayed antibiotics for respiratory infections.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013)
Web Resource Rating

The Coronavirus Explained & What You Should Do
KURZGESAGT

This resource provides information on what the Coronavirus is, how it spreads, how it impacts the body and health care system, and how to reduce the risk of getting infected and infecting others. Key prevention strategies listed include: washing your hands, practicing physical distancing, and respecting quarantines.
Web Resource Rating

Influenza (flu)
Mayo Clinic

Influenza 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.
Web Resource Rating

Acute sinusitis
Mayo Clinic

To 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.
Web Resource Rating

How much protection do flu vaccinations offer?
Informed Health Online

Get 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.
Patient Decision Aid

Sinusitis: Should I take antibiotics?
OHRI

This 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.
Evidence Summary

Antibiotics for acute bronchitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
Web Resource Rating

How does Fluzone High-Dose differ from other flu vaccines?
Mayo Clinic

Fluzone 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.
Web Resource Rating

Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
Mayo Clinic

Flu 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.
Patient Decision Aid

Bronchitis: Should I take antibiotics?
OHRI

This 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.
Web Resource Rating

Echinacea: Is it effective for the common cold?
Mayo Clinic

There 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.
Web Resource Rating

Treating acute sinusitis
Informed Health Online

Acute 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.
Web Resource Rating

Flu shots: Especially important if you have heart disease
Mayo Clinic

Heart 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.
Evidence Summary

Different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Web Resource Rating

How can you protect yourself from respiratory infections?
Informed Health Online

Viruses 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.
Web Resource Rating

Relief for a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat
Informed Health Online

There 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.
Evidence Summary

Antihistamines for the common cold.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Web Resource Rating

Chronic cough
Mayo Clinic

A 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.
Evidence Summary

In people with unexplained chronic cough, speech therapy is recommended and gabapentin may be considered
Chest (2016)
Web Resource Rating

Common colds
Informed Health Online

The 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.
Evidence Summary

Penicillin V and erythromycin do not improve voice disturbances in acute laryngitis in adults
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013)
Evidence Summary

Vitamin C does not prevent the common cold but may reduce its duration and severity
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013)
Patient Decision Aid

Flu: Should I take antiviral medicine?
OHRI

This 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.
Patient Decision Aid

Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?
OHRI

This 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.
Web Resource Rating

Influenza immunisation
Patient.co.uk

Get 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.
Patient Decision Aid

Sore throat: Should I take antibiotics?
OHRI

This 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.
Web Resource Rating

Flu and the flu vaccine
NHS Choices

If 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.
Blog Post

Fact or fiction: Research reveals the truth about common supplements

There are many claims out there about the health benefits of dietary supplements, but not all claims are backed by evidence. Talk to your health care provider about which supplements may be beneficial to you.
Blog Post

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.
Blog Post

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.
Blog Post

'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.
Blog Post

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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