According to new national survey results out today almost half (49%) of those questioned said they would ask their GP for advice about treating colds and flu, however, 81% reported that one of the things they are advised to do is take a medicine they can buy from their pharmacy.

Survey results also showed that young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are the most likely to take to their beds with symptoms of colds and flu, whereas people aged 65 and over are the most likely to stay on their feet. Young people are also the most likely to take time off work and ask their family and friends for advice. Men are more likely to drink a hot toddy or eat spicy food to combat the symptoms of colds and flu, whereas women are more likely to increase their intake of fruit and vegetables, take a health supplement or take an OTC remedy.

The survey, which looks at what people do when they have a cold or flu, was jointly commissioned by the Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) and the Doctor Patient Partnership (DPP). It marks the launch of two separate initiatives timed to help people be prepared for the oncoming cold and flu season. The campaigns aim to combat misunderstanding about how to prevent and treat the symptoms of colds and flu, and where to go for help.

The DPP has produced almost 300,000 DPP leaflets, including advice on how to treat colds and flu symptoms, which will be available from member GP surgeries throughout the UK. The CHIC initiative includes the development and distribution of a new 'guide to treating colds and flu', which will be distributed free of charge to the public through libraries, health promotion units and pharmacies. It is also available by calling 020 7404 7842.

Commenting on the campaigns, Dr Simon Fradd, Chairman, Doctor Patient Partnership said: "For most people colds and flu are self-limiting illnesses which should be treated using medicines available from the pharmacist. GPs' time should be reserved for those people at risk of complications from flu such as very old people and those with chronic illnesses.

"These results show that people are likely to seek advice from their GP, however, pharmacists can play a central role in helping people manage the symptoms of their colds and flu themselves and it may be quicker than waiting to see a GP. The survey shows that 75% of people who seek advice from their pharmacists are actually more likely to follow it than if they get their advice elsewhere."

The CHIC has produced its new 'Guide to Preventing Colds and Flu' in collaboration with its independent advisory panel of GPs, pharmacists, nurses and patient representatives. Approved by the Plain English Campaign, the guide charts the course of the common cold, telling people what to expect at each stage and explaining how best to treat the different symptoms. It also gives useful advice on how to try to stay symptom free. Further information on the campaign is available on the CHIC website, www.chic.org.uk.

Tina Funnell, Chairwoman of the CHIC Advisory Panel said: "We've found that the public want easily understandable information on how to treat minor ailments, so they can feel more confident when making healthcare decisions and know where best to turn for further advice."

Notes for editors

• The DPP/CHIC research was carried out by NOP Solutions between the 18-20 August 2000.
• A sample of 1010 adults 15+ who are nationally representative of the British population were collected.
• The PHLS annual flu surveillance programme will post its first activity report of the season (1st October - end of March) on to their website today (5 October 2000). This can be found at www.phls.co.uk
• Copies of the CHIC 'guide to preventing colds and flu' can be requested free of charge on 020 7404 7842, or from the CHIC website: www.chic.org.uk.
• The Consumer Health Information Centre was established in 1997 to help improve people's understanding of common ailments and to offer guidance on how they can improve the management of their own health. CHIC has identified the need to raise awareness of health and self-treatment issues after extensive research among the general public.
• The Doctor Patient Partnership (DPP) is an independent charity that produces patient education campaigns for the UK's general public and health professionals on a regular basis

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.u