- Cold symptoms, including sneezing and a runny nose, can be treated at home by rest, relaxation and chicken soup. It is not necessary to see a doctor. - Flu symptoms, including fever, muscle aches and chills, should be monitored and if persists more than five days, it's time for a visit to the doctor. - Sinusitis symptoms, including nasal congestion, facial pain and congestion, fever and headache, should be treated by a physician. There is only one Health Canada approved nasal corticosteroid for the treatment of sinusitis.(viii) It works by reducing the inflammation, allowing the sinus congestion to drain and thus relieving the associated pain, the vast majority of the time, without the use of an antibiotic.(ix)

L?©ger Marketing data shows that the majority of Canadians surveyed are unsure of the appropriate treatment for sinusitis and nearly four-in-ten of them mistakenly believe sinusitis should be treated using antibiotics.(X) Sixty-five per cent of the time, a prescription for an antibiotic is unnecessarily given to a sinusitis sufferer,(xi) often due to a patient requesting it.

Highlights of the L?©ger Marketing survey findings

- Forty-six per cent of Canadians surveyed feel they should go to their doctor to be treated for their cold and flu symptoms, when in fact they just should stay home and rest.(xii) - Of everyone surveyed, those over the age of 45 are twice as likely to visit the doctor when experiencing cold and flu symptoms than those between the ages of 25 to 44.(xiii) - The majority of Canadians surveyed (73 per cent) try and avoid taking antibiotics,(xiv) however many (37 per cent) think it's what is needed to treat their symptoms.(xv) More than half are unaware of more appropriate courses of treatment.(xvi) - Women are more likely than men to try home remedies to feel better faster, while men are more likely to say they would do nothing.(xvii)

Source: MERCK