While it is still true that we have not found the cure for the common cold, there are many ways to ease your discomfort and minimize symptoms. Receiving proper treatment for colds and Influenza (flu) reduce your chances of developing more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. These are viral infections that we cannot treat with antibiotics in the way that we would treat strep throat. Antibiotics are not indicated in the treatment of cold or influenza. This is because they can increase chances of antibiotic resistance and can make antibiotics less effective in the future.
Over The Counter Medications for Colds and Influenza (flu)
Most people are able to treat their symptoms with OTC (over the counter) medicines. Over the counter medicines do not require a doctor’s prescription. Here are a few examples:
- Reduce fever and pain: Analgesics, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Ibuprofen (Advil®) and Naproxen (Naprosyn®) are also used. The Cleveland Clinic cautions against using aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome.
- Dry your nose: Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®, Allegra®, Zyrtec®) and Xyzal®). Loratadine (Claritin®) is an alternative that does not cause drowsiness.
- Relief of stuffy, clogged nose: Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®). These should be avoided by patients who are pregnant, suffer from high blood pressure or insomnia.
- Coughing relief: Antitussives. A cough suppressant like Dextromethorphan® and Robitussin® for example.
- Sore throat relief: Throat lozenges (i.e. Cepacol®) and gargling with warm salt-water a few times per day are helpful.
Antiviral medications can be useful in the treatment of confirmed influenza. They are more effective when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Receiving timely treatment using antiviral medications when you have come into close contact with someone suffering from influenza, could prevent or reduce your symptoms. Should they become more severe or last longer than five to seven days, it may be necessary to visit your doctor and determine if you are suffering from complications of influenza.
While some have questioned their effectiveness, a recent study by the CDC established that seasonal influenza shots do prevent influenza symptoms in nearly 50% of the population. At Weisz Concierge Medical, you and your family members will receive your influenza shots each year at no extra charge as part of the comprehensive medical care we provide.
According to the CDC website:
Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every influenza season is different, and influenza infection affect people differently, but millions of people get influenza every year, hundreds of thousands of people receive treatment in hospitals and thousands or tens of thousands of people die from influenza-related causes every year. An annual seasonal influenza vaccine is the best way to help protect against influenza. Vaccination have many benefits including reducing the risk of influenza illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of influenza-related death in children.
