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Research summaries
After having a flu shot, it takes about 14 days for the body to produce enough antibodies to be able to fight off a flu infection if you become infected. This means that if the vaccine is to protect a person during the flu season, it needs to be given before the first flu cases arise – which is autumn in Europe. But because flu outbreaks can also occur in January, February or even later, it ... more...
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Overview
Flu and cold viruses are spread by means of droplet infection: when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the viruses are released into the air. Viruses also get onto the tissue and your hands when you blow your nose. These viruses can then pass to other people or objects. They are easily spread from person to person wherever a lot of people touch the same objects ... more...
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Your comment about "Common colds > Relief for a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat" * Your email address* Send. Share; Tweet; Share; Labels: Airways and respiratory system, Cold symptoms, Common cold, Common cold, Immune system and infections, J00, J02, J04, J06, J98, R05, R07, Respiratory diseases, Sore throat. Updated October 5th 2017. October 5th 2017. Created February 14th 2006 Next update ... more...
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Research summaries
Simple common colds – with symptoms such as coughing, a stuffy nose and sometimes a mild fever – are usually caused by viruses. They almost always go away on their own within about two weeks, and often start to get better after just a few days. Because antibiotics only fight bacteria, and not viruses, they're usually ineffective against colds. Sometimes a cold may lead to a bacterial ... more...
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Research summaries
Taking vitamin C every day to try to prevent colds won't protect most people from colds. It only slightly shortens the amount of time that they're ill. Starting to take vitamin C once you already have cold symptoms won't have any effect on your cold. You need a certain amount of vitamin C to stay healthy and well, and most people get enough in their daily diet. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can be ... more...
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Research summaries
Flu viruses need neuraminidase in order to spread in the body. It is hoped that using these medications will stop people becoming very ill and having serious complications. Oseltamivir needs to be taken within 48 hours after the flu symptoms start. It someone has already had symptoms for longer, it will not have an effect on the course of their ... more...
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Overview
Common colds, or simply “colds,” are usually quite harmless and go away again on their own. The symptoms of a cold such as a cough, sore throat and a runny nose can be really annoying. A severe cold can make you feel weak and ill, too. Colds usually go away on their own after about a week, but some symptoms may last longer. Although a sore ... more...
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Your comment about "Common colds > What is croup?" * Your email address* Send. Share; Tweet ; Share; Labels: Airways and respiratory system, Cold symptoms, Common cold, Common cold, Immune system and infections, J00, J02, J04, J06, J98, R05, R07, Respiratory diseases, Sore throat. Created November 15th 2018 Next update: 2021 How we work Published by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in ... more...
