Winter ailments are among the most common reasons why people turn to their local pharmacy for advice and product recommendations. It is therefore important that the whole team has a sound understanding of seasonal conditions such as the common cold, influenza and coughs so they are able to provide the advice and support that customers need.

Useful websites

• NHS Choices– provides information on the common cold and links to the other winter health conditions discussed in this module
• NHS Live Well – a good resource for patients who are trying to work out if they have a cold or flu
• Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre – a hub for clinical trials and research for cold and flu treatments
• NHS flu vaccination programme – information on eligibility criteria for immunisation and resources on flu for schools, healthcare providers and workplaces
• Treat Yourself Better – a public health campaign highlighting the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for cold and flu symptoms.