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Colds, cough and flu

Influenza or 'the flu' is a major cause of illness and death, particularly in the very old and the very young. Influenza is transmitted from person-to-person, through coughing, sneezing, and hand-to-hand contact with subsequent touching of the nose. As we age, our immune system has to work harder to fight the influenza virus. Read about the latest evidence on this topic.

Does vitamin C help with the common cold?

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Do face masks help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses?

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Chest colds: Do antibiotics help?

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Evidence Summary

Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2022)
Evidence Summary

Immediate versus delayed versus no antibiotics for respiratory infections.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2023)
Evidence Summary

Systemic corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID-19.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2021)
Evidence Summary

Non-pharmacological measures implemented in the setting of long-term care facilities to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections and their consequences: a rapid review.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2021)
Evidence Summary

Echinacea may help to slightly reduce the risk of getting an upper respiratory tract infection, but does not decrease length of illness
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019)
Evidence Summary

Taking probiotic or prebiotic supplements before receiving specific influenza vaccines can improve the protective effects of the vaccines in adults
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Nutrients (2017)
Evidence Summary

Antibiotics for acute rhinosinusitis in adults.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Evidence Summary

Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Evidence Summary

Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Evidence Summary

Short-course oral steroids alone for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the common cold.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

Systemic and topical antibiotics for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Intranasal steroids versus placebo or no intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Different types of intranasal steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Flu vaccines lower risk of pneumonia and death among older adults living in care
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2014)
Evidence Summary

Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
Evidence Summary

Interventions to increase influenza vaccination rates of those 60 years and older in the community
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014)
Evidence Summary

Flu vaccine reduces cardiovascular events
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
JAMA (2013)
Evidence Summary

For acute bronchitis, antibiotics can reduce cough by about half a day but can cause side-effects
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
Evidence Summary

Delayed antibiotics for respiratory infections.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013)
Evidence Summary

Antibiotics for acute bronchitis.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
Evidence Summary

Different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Antihistamines for the common cold.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

In people with unexplained chronic cough, speech therapy is recommended and gabapentin may be considered
Rating 3 out of 5 stars
Chest (2016)
Evidence Summary

Antibiotics for acute laryngitis in adults.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013)
Evidence Summary

Vitamin C does not prevent the common cold but may reduce its duration and severity
Rating 3 out of 5 stars
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013)
Blog Post

Probing probiotics: 3 evidence-based benefits related to their use

From digestive to respiratory health, research highlights the potential benefits of probiotics.
Blog Post

Preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections with probiotics?

Looking to avoid an acute upper respiratory tract infection? Research provides insight on probiotics as a preventative strategy.
Blog Post

Do face masks help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses?

Are you looking for clarity around face masks and their role in preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses? If yes, then you should know that research supports the use of masks for this purpose.
Blog Post

Is echinacea good for upper respiratory tract infections?

The use of echinacea to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections continues to be a matter of hot debate. New research weighs in on the conversation.
Blog Post

Kicking smoking to the curb: 3 evidence-based ways to aid you on your journey to becoming smoke-free

From cancer to heart disease, the hazards of smoking have long-been documented. Emerging evidence appears to suggest that there could also be a dangerous association between smoking and COVID-19. Consider becoming smoke-free for your overall health and well-being. These evidence-based strategies could help increase your chances of success!
Blog Post

Making informed housing decisions during a pandemic

In recent weeks, we have seen several retirement homes and long-term care facilities being overrun by COVID-19 outbreaks. This situation can raise a lot of concerns and questions among older adults, their families and their caregivers regarding the most appropriate and safe place to live during the pandemic. How could we support them in making these complex decisions?
Blog Post

Fact or fiction: Research reveals the truth about common supplements

There are many claims out there about the health benefits of dietary supplements, but not all claims are backed by evidence. Talk to your health care provider about which supplements may be beneficial to you.
Blog Post

Can vitamin D ward off acute respiratory tract infections?

Looking for ways to ward off acute respiratory tract infections? Vitamin D3 supplements may be your answer to helping prevent these unwelcome events.
Blog Post

Help flu shots stick with prebiotics and probiotics?

Preventing the flu is top-of-mind for many people during flu season. Supplementation with prebiotics or probiotics may be one way to enhance the flu shot’s protective effects.
Blog Post

'Tis the season... Have you had your flu shot yet?

It’s quick, easily available, virtually painless and the first line of attack against a nasty bout of flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone and is particularly critical for those with weakened or compromised immune systems such as older adults living in long-term care facilities.
Blog Post

Does vitamin C help with the common cold?

Vitamin C taken regularly as a supplement doesn't change the frequency of catching a cold but may help a little with the duration and the severity of your symptoms.

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