Changes/additions to materials (reviewed February 2010):

MHRA warning about OTC cough and cold medicines in young children
In February 2009, in the absence of robust evidence for their effectiveness, and the risk of harm, the MHRA warned against the use of many commonly used over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under six years of age. Supply of these medicines for children aged 6–12 years is restricted to pharmacies. For more details see MeReC Stop Press Blog 311

Seasonal and pandemic (H1N1) influenza
The Department of Health has issued two updated clinical management guidelines for pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza for adults and children and for women who are pregnant. For more details see MeReC Stop Press Blog 864

Although emerging observational data in the current swine influenza pandemic support the use of antivirals, the December 2009 update to a Cochrane review has raised questions about oseltamivir▼’s ability to prevent complications of seasonal influenza in otherwise healthy adults. For more details see MeReC Stop Press Blog 912. Users of our patient decision aid (PDA) relating to oseltamivir▼in otherwise healthy adults should note that it was based on data from the 2003 paper by Kaiser et al which is at the centre of the controversy regarding the Cochrane review’s findings. No other PDAs relating to oseltamivir▼ in influenza are affected by the December 2009 Cochrane update.

We summarised the evidence on the use of oseltamivir▼ in the treatment of seasonal influenza in children in MeReC Rapid Review blog 552 and in adults in MeReC Rapid Review blog 560. Note that the second blog should be read in conjunction with MeReC Stop Press Blog 912.

Work through the case studies below to test your knowledge on Common Infections - Respiratory Tract. The answers given within this case study are model answers and not the only correct answer.

Case 1: Jane – a 19 year old with a sore throat

Case 2: Tom – a two year old with a sore ear

Case 3: David – a 32 year old with a blocked nose and sinus pain

Case 4: Margaret – a 39 year old with a cough and runny nose

Case 5: Elizabeth – a 48 year old with cough and fever