Promoting self care and managing patient expectations by explaining the likely duration of self-limiting infections (see Table 1) and the symptoms that require medical attention is important. For instance, one third of the public believe that antibiotics will treat coughs and colds and one in five people expect antibiotics when they visit their doctor.

Self care advice that can also be offered includes: 

• The importance of getting plenty of rest and drinking enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty
• Taking paracetamol, or ibuprofen where appropriate, for pain relief or to relieve a fever
• Protecting themselves and others against colds and flu (e.g. vaccination, hand washing to prevent spread of viruses, using paper tissues and carefully disposing of them, etc)
• Avoiding smoking or being in a smoke-filled environment.