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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."
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