New PAGB / RCGP Flu Leaflet to be Delivered to
Pharmacies and GP Surgeries
11th September
2009
A new leaflet, entitled ‘The battle against
flu and colds’, has been jointly published by the Proprietary
Association of Great Britain (PAGB) and the Royal College of
General Practitioners (RCGP).
A million copies of the leaflet are being delivered to
pharmacies and GP surgeries across the UK from 14th September.
Sheila Kelly, PAGB Executive Director, comments: “In a normal
cold and flu season many patients visit their GPs unnecessarily and
concern about swine flu is bound to increase the demand this year.
Research[i] suggests that one reason many people give up self care
too soon and go to the doctor is because they do not understand
that the symptoms they are experiencing are the body’s normal
reaction to a viral infection. The leaflet helps explain to
patients the difference between flu and colds, what symptoms to
expect and how long they will last.”
Dr Maureen Baker, RCGP Honorary Secretary of
Council, comments: “With much of the public health information
about swine flu focusing on prevention, vaccination and antivirals,
the leaflet suggests practical self help measures that people can
take to relieve the symptoms of swine flu, as well as seasonal flu
and colds, as the virus runs its course.”
View the leaflet
The leaflet is also be available to download from the
PAGB's website
[1] TNS,
Understanding stakeholder attitudes towards self care,
2009