Over a quarter of the population
are likely to demand antibiotics for colds
and flu this winter, despite Government warnings
to the contrary, according to a survey of consumer
behaviour released today (Thursday 8th October
1998).
The nationwide survey, commissioned
by the Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC),
showed that in the weeks following the announcement
of the Government's recommendations against
the routine use of antibiotics for colds and
flu, which was aimed at slowing the development
of antibiotic resistance and "super bugs",
consumers have yet to get the message. More
importantly, the survey highlighted some of
the reasons for the demand - a demand based
on myths and misunderstanding.
In the survey of over 2,000 British
adults, most wanted antibiotics in order to
get better quicker. This was particularly true
of those aged 16 to 24, one of the age groups
most likely to be under pressure not to go
off sick from work or college. Another reason
cited was that consumers believed that antibiotics
actually worked on colds and flu; this myth
was particularly common in the 65+ age group.
"Antibiotics only act against
bacterial infections and do not work on viruses
such as colds and flu," said Dr Catti Moss,
practising GP and spokesperson for the CHIC. "Everyone
needs to hear this message, along with simple
advice on what you can actually do to help
yourself. We all need to accept the fact that,
until a cure for the common cold is found,
there is no quick fix. The only way to deal
with these viruses is to relieve the symptoms
with a remedy from the pharmacy and let the
virus run its course."
The CHIC survey results suggest
that people do not lack the confidence to self-medicate,
but they do need reassurance. Following its
success in 1997, the CHIC is therefore launching
its second colds and flu campaign to try to
bridge the information gap, steering consumers
towards the pharmacy to gain on-the-spot expert
advice. The campaign will also offer a local
call rate helpline service, on 0845 6061611,
manned by trained health care professionals
who can advise on symptoms and appropriate
treatment steps.
Consumers can also visit the CHIC
website at www.chic.org.uk or obtain a copy
of the new Ebenezer Sneezer's Guide to Colds
and Flu leaflet which explains the differences
between colds and flu and how to treat the
symptoms. Information posters are also being
distributed to doctors' surgeries across the
UK in the next few weeks, with the strong message: "Did
you know antibiotics don't work on colds and
flu? Ask your pharmacist for advice on how
best to treat your symptoms", and featuring
a checklist of cold and flu symptoms.
According to earlier research,
conducted by the PAGB (Proprietary Association
of Great Britain), 39% of GP time is spent
dealing with patients suffering from self-treatable
minor ailments such as colds and flu.
Notes for editors
- The Gallup Organization conducted 2054
telephone interviews with a representative
sample of British adults aged 16+ between
the 18th and 23rd of September 1998. Quotas
were set for region and the sample was weighted
to the known profile of all adults. There
is a margin of error of 2.2%.
- Established in 1997, the Consumer Health
Information Centre aims to help improve people's
understanding of common ailments and to offer
guidance on how they can improve the management
of their own health. The Centre is being
advised by an expert panel of doctors and
nurses, consumer information campaigners
and pharmacists who recognise the need to
develop the concept after reviewing extensive
research with the general public.
- Consumers can receive a free copy of the
Consumer Health Information Centre's leaflet "Ebenezer
Sneezer's Guide to Colds and Flu". If you
would like to mention this offer in your
publication, please contact Rowan Unsworth
at Grayling on 0171 255 1100.
- A full press pack is also available, featuring
information such as: a summary of the CHIC
survey results; an Antibiotic Fact Sheet;
Fact and Fiction about Colds and Flu; the
Diary of a Cold; Colds and Flu at a Glance;
Cold Truths and information about safe self-medication.
For further information please contact:
Karen Kelshaw
Consumer Health Information Centre
tel: 020 7421 9314
fax: 020 7421 9317
email: karen.kelshaw@pagb.co.uk
Pam Prentice
Doctor Patient Partnership
tel: 020 7383 6144
out of office hours: 0780 3399826
email: pprentice@bma.org.uk
Marianne Smith
Doctor Patient Partnership
tel 020 7383 6828
fax: 020 7383 6966
email: msmith@bma.org.uk
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