WINTER cold symptoms are not usually treatable with antibiotics, Huddersfield doctors warn.
A campaign aimed at saving patients unnecessary visits to their GPs was launched this week by Huddersfield Central Primary Care Trust.
The drive is to raise awareness of the fact that antibiotics don't work on most common winter ailments, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and flu.
Lucianne Ricketts, head of prescribing at Huddersfield Central Primary Care Trust, said: "Many people, when they are suffering from common winter ailments, make appointments to see their GP and expect to be given antibiotics.
"But antibiotics don't work on viruses, which is what these common winter ailments usually are.
"For people who are otherwise fit and healthy, the best thing to do for coughs and colds is to ask your local pharmacist for advice. "They will also advise on appropriate medicines that can be bought over the counter."
The campaign promotes that message and features posters inside and on the backs of buses in the Huddersfield area.
Ms Ricketts said: "The message about not asking for antibiotics when they aren't appropriate is very important, not just because they kill the good bacteria as well as the bad, but because of the dangers of over-use of antibiotics.
" If antibiotics are prescribed too often, then harmful bacteria can become resistant or immune to them.
"This could mean that the next time you need the antibiotic it won't work."
Tips for coping with cold or flu symptoms are:
* Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Hot drinks can have a soothing effect.
* Don't do any strenuous exercise.
* To avoid spreading the virus, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands regularly.
* If you do have flu, take time to rest and make a full recovery before returning to your usual routine.
* If antibiotics or any other medicines are prescribed, you should always take the full course.
Ms Ricketts added the warning: "You should see your GP if your symptoms are severe or unusually prolonged, if you are suffering from extreme shortness of breath or if you are coughing up blood or large amounts of green or yellow phlegm."