The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7431 p728
16 December 2006

This article
Reprint   Photocopy

  Acrobat Reader

News summary

Self care favoured by public for managing flu symptoms

Self care is the preferred way of managing influenza-like symptoms, a survey of 293 adults suggests (British Journal of General Practice 2006;56:911).

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen measured the relative importance that responders placed on different types of care. They found that, to manage symptoms of flu-like illness, people wanted to treat themselves. Pharmacy advice was the next most preferred option, followed by GP consultation, although the difference between the two was not statistically significant. Self care, pharmacy advice and GP consultation were all preferred over telephone health advice from NHS 24 and consultation with a complementary therapist.