What To Look For in a Cold/Flu Medicine This Winter

Winter is common cold season, where you and your family may experience runny noses, coughing and congestion. You may be like many other individuals and stock up on OTC flu medicine at the start of the season. These are some things you should look for in your cold medicine this winter.

To Reduce Fever/Pain

Some common cold medicines have active ingredients for pain and fever as well. However, if you aren’t experiencing congestion, focus on ingredients that reduce pain and fever.

You don’t want to take more medicine than you need because you can increase your likelihood of side effects and medication interactions. For example, acetaminophen, which is commonly used to reduce pain and fever, should be taken according to the package instructions because overdose is easy and common and can damage your liver. Ibuprofen can also help with fever and pain.

To Reduce Cough/Congestion

To reduce congestion and coughing, consider choosing an over-the-counter expectorant, decongestant or antihistamine, depending on your symptoms. Antihistamines reduce nasal challenges, from congestion to drainage. However, these medications can affect those with heart conditions, so speak with a physician before taking them.

Nasal sprays, including steroid and saline sprays, are also helpful to reduce nasal congestion. Nasal strips can also open your sinuses and improve your breathing. Decongestants help with stuffed-up sinuses, but they can increase your blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety.

Expectorants help your body get rid of lung congestion. Mucus that is trapped inside the lungs can be challenging to get rid of, but an expectorant is the best option. Unless your cold is accompanied by pain, you should choose a cold medicine without acetaminophen.

Home Remedies

The effectiveness of your medicine cabinet can be enhanced by doing a few other things. First, make sure you and your family get adequate rest. Your body heals while you sleep, so rest is vital. You can gargle saltwater to reduce sore, scratchy throats, but stick with one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water.

Also, stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and juice. Clear broth and warm water with lemon and honey can also loosen congestion and help you breathe easier. Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol or carbonated drinks because they can increase your dehydration.

You can also add moisture to your home through a humidifier or vaporizer, but be sure to clean the machine and change the water at least once per day. The manufacturer’s instructions should give you information on cleaning the machine.

When To Call the Doctor

Most prescription medications don’t work on common colds and flu because they are made for bacterial infections rather than viruses. However, there are times when you should contact a physician, even if you think you have a common cold.

First, call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or last longer than 14 days. Also, if you start developing new symptoms, you should be checked. If you have chest pain or experience difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately. Finally, watch for a sore throat or high fever (over 100 degrees) for three days or more.

As you stock up for winter’s cold and flu season, add tissues to your shopping list. Then, consider these guidelines, including choosing the right sinus and chest congestion remedies, as you build your medicine cabinet.