What Works, What To Avoid

Cold and flu medicines often include decongestants, lozenges, and pain relievers. You can use them to relieve symptoms like a fever, cough, headache, and sore throat.

Body and muscle aches often occur with the flu, while headache is a common cold symptom.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) can relieve painful symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also treat discomfort and reduce inflammation. Common NSAIDs include Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen).

While short-term use of NSAIDs is generally well-tolerated, these medications may increase the risk of heart attacks or stroke and can lead to ulcers and bleeding. Long-term use can also lead to kidney damage.

Some supplements, such as zinc, ginseng, and vitamin C, may help to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms.

Research has found that OTC decongestants are an effective way to treat a stuffy nose in adults. Decongestants narrow the blood vessels that line nasal passages, which reduces inflammation. Look for decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed. You’ll have to ask for it at the pharmacy counter.

Pseudoephedrine may cause a number of side effects, including:

• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

Pseudoephedrine may also slightly increase blood pressure. People with high blood pressure may want to consider spray-based decongestants, such as Afrin (oxymetazoline). Only use nasal decongestants for short periods. Chronic use can lead to rebound congestion, meaning your nose feels stuffier after you stop using it.

A hacking cough is one of the most common cold or flu symptoms. Suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DM) may help a bit. Remember, a cough can be part of the healing process, as it can help clear your airways.

Pain relievers like Tylenol and NSAIDs can help reduce a fever. Try taking a fever reducer with a cup of tea or soup. These warm, soothing fluids may help soothe a sore throat.

Antihistamines may provide temporary relief from a runny nose and sneezing, particularly during the first two days of illness.

Common brand names include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine). Claritin is not likely to tire you, but Benadryl and Zyrtec often cause drowsiness.

Expectorants like Mucinex (guaifenesin) help thin mucus that drains down the back of your throat. This makes it easier for you to cough it up.

A sore throat may cayse your throat to feel painful or scratchy, which can make it hard to swallow. Pain relievers like Tylenol and NSAIDs can help alleviate a sore throat. Try sucking on throat lozenges, which are available over the counter, or hard candies. These help increase saliva and lubricate your throat.

You can safely give acetaminophen and ibuprofen—available in chewable, liquid, and tablet forms—to children older than 2. Make sure you read the instructions and give the correct amount based on your child’s age and weight. Talk to a pediatrician before giving these medicines to children younger than 2.

Do not give OTC cold and flu medicine to infants and children younger than 6. These medicines may result in harmful side effects in young children.

Other ways to treat cold and flu symptoms in children include:

• Breathing in steam from a hot shower
• Elevate your child’s head when they are lying down
• Spraying non-medicated saline drops into the nose
• Staying hydrated
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Visiting a healthcare provider if they have a wheezing cough

Medicines that you take during pregnancy can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. It’s essential to know what’s safe and what to avoid, as well as what some natural remedies are if you are sick while pregnant.

The safest cold and flu medicines for pregnant people include:

• Anesthetic throat lozenges to relieve a sore throat
• Most cough drops to help ease a cough and lubricate a sore throat
• Tylenol for aches, fevers, and headaches

Avoid pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, and herbal remedies like echinacea. Afrin and other non-steroidal nasal decongestant sprays that contain oxymetazoline may also be unsafe during pregnancy.

Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using cold and flu medicines to make sure they are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Flu vaccine and antiviral medications are safe and recommended during pregnancy, as needed.

Most people recover from a cold or the flu at home with plenty of rest and fluids. Speak to a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not get better after 10 days or worsen. Let them know if you have the flu and are at risk of developing complications.

Other signs to contact a healthcare provider include:

• Chest or stomach pain
• Confusion or dizziness
• Dehydration
• A fever that lasts more than four days
• Lack of urination
• Seizures
• Severe muscle pain
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Symptoms improve but then come back or worsen
• Underlying health conditions that worsen with illness