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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.
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