Study: nasal sprays reduce symptoms and duration of colds and flu

An NIHR-funded study has found that over-the-counter nasal sprays are effective at reducing the symptoms and duration of flu and colds in at-risk patients and could reduce antibiotic use.

There is some evidence to show that using nasal sprays could reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections. Improving immunity through exercise and managing stress may also help.

To investigate this, researchers ran a large-scale randomised trial to compare these treatments. They investigated two different types of nasal spray and an online resource providing advice on physical activity and stress management.

Researchers recruited 13,799 adult patients from 332 GP practices, including 909 from the Thames Valley and South Midlands region.

Visit the NIHR website to read more.