Coughs, colds and antibiotics

Anitbiotics do not help against viral infections such as cold and flu. The main symptoms of winter cold and flu bugs are:

• coughing
• sneezing
• blocked nose
• sore throat
• headache
• a slight temperature

If these are the only symptoms you have, it’s unlikely that your doctor will be able to do anything.
You may want to visit your local pharmacy, where you can get advice on how to manage the symptoms and buy over-the-counter medicine.  More advice and when you should see your doctor at NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/coldsandflu/pages/coldcomfort.aspx