Cold & Flu
Dealing with the cold or flus can be challenging, especially during peak seasons and colder weather months. These respiratory illnesses, often caused by different viruses, are characterized by a range of symptoms from mild to severe.
Understanding their nature, preventive measures, and effective treatment strategies is vital for maintaining health and well-being during these outbreaks
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About The Common Cold
When you start feeling the start of a scratchy throat, sneezing, and a runny nose, it can mark the beginning of a common cold.
Colds are frequent, especially in the colder months, and are usually caused by viruses like the rhinovirus. The symptoms can closely mimic symptoms of the flu or other respiratory viruses like COVID-19. Bottomline: they can be bothersome and put a damper on your daily activities.
Managing the symptoms of a cold effectively is key to feeling better and getting back to your routine quickly, and avoiding potential spread.
What are the signs and symptoms of The Common Cold?
- Sore Throat: An early sign can be a scratchy or sore throat.
- Coughing: A persistent cough often develops with a cold and can linger for weeks afterward. Fever, tiredness and muscle aches: beware that high body temps and feeling lousy can signal the flu and you should contact your clinician if severe.
Breaking Down The Triggers:
- Rhinoviruses
- Coronaviruses
- Other respiratory viruses
How can I treat Cold and Flu?
Most colds resolve on their own and can be managed at home, but monitoring for worsening symptoms is crucial. Also knowing the difference between cold and flu is important especially if you or a loved one as chronic illnesses or immune disease.
Simple measures to consider:
- Stay hydrated and rest well.
- Use saline nasal sprays for congestion.
- Over-the-counter cold remedies can alleviate symptoms.
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent spread. Protect vulnerable loved ones.
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms:
What it does:
Helps with runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and cough.
Medications in this class:
Chlorpheniramine, Brompheniramine, Diphenhydramine, Doxylamine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine, and Desloratadine.
Pros:
- Works quickly.
- May also help with cough.
Cons:
- Can cause drowsiness, dry mouth and confusion.
What it does:
Narrows blood vessels in the nose to help with stuffy nose and congestion in the ear.
Medications in this class:
Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylephrine.
Pros:
- Can relieve sinus congestion and pressure.
Cons:
- May cause side effects such as dizziness, restlessness and increased blood pressure.
- Should not be used if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma or hyperthyroidism.
What it does:
Acts on the brain to suppress dry, nonproductive cough.
Medications in this class:
Dextromethorphan.
Pros:
- Modestly effective for cough due to the common cold.
Cons:
- Not recommended for wet cough or people with asthma.
- For short term relief only.
What it does:
Thins out phlegm and mucus in the chest.
Medications in this class:
Guaifenesin.
Pros:
- Helps clear sputum associated with wet productive cough.
- Usually well-tolerated.
Cons:
- May cause coughing to increase to clear out mucus.
What it does:
Reduces fever and body pain, sore throat, and headaches that accompany the common cold.
Medications in this class:
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.
Pros:
- Good for muscle aches, pains and fever.
Cons:
- May not be recommended if you have acidity problems with the stomach, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or asthma.
- For short term relief only.
What it does:
Help to soothe the symptoms of cough, sore throat and congestion.
Medications in this class:
Honey, Menthol, Benzocaine, and Antiseptics.
Pros:
- Quickly soothes cough and sore throat.
- Aids production of saliva which can lubricate the throat.
Cons:
- Temporary relief.
- For short term relief only.
The Flu, RSV and COVID-19
When you suddenly experience symptoms like a high fever, intense body aches, and significant fatigue, it's most likely the flu. Or it could be RSV or COVID-19. How can you tell? Thess respiratory illnesss are usually more severe than a common cold, often strikes in the colder months - but can happen any time during the year.
Beware if you feel a substantial fever, chills, deep muscle aches, and extreme tiredness. For certain individuals, especially those in higher risk categories, these viruses can lead to more serious health complications. The good news is we have treatments and preventions strategies to choose from.
What are the signs and symptoms of Flu, RSV and COVID-19?
- High Fever and Chills: A key feature of the flu, RSV and COVID-19 is a fever accompanied by chills. But sometimes, a fever may not be present.
- Body Aches: Severe muscle or body aches and headaches are common. Fatigue: Intense tiredness and weakness often occur.
Breaking Down The Triggers:
- Influenza A and B Viruses
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19 virus)
How can I treat Cold and Flu?
The flu often requires more intensive care than common colds, and early treatment is key. Preventative measures like vaccines and antivirals are highly recommended to prevent complications down the line.
Simple measures to consider:
- Seek medical advice early, especially if you're at high risk or are in contact with a high risk patient.
- Rest and stay hydrated.
- Antiviral medications may be prescribed by pharmacy professionals.
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms:
What it does:
Activates the immune system to identify and fight off viruses should you become infected.
Medications in this class:
Tri- and Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines, Recombinant and nRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine, Recombinant RSV Vaccine.
Pros:
- May prevent symptoms of illness from appearing if you do become infected.
- Effective in reducing the severity of illness and preventing complications such as pneumonia and organ damage.
- Can prevent life-altering effects of infection in seniors and those with chronic conditions.
- Can be life-saving for unborn babies, infants and children.
Cons:
- Does not prevent you from getting infected by virus.
- Can cause mild local reactions, fever, headache, malaise.
- Fainting from injection.
- Very rarely allergic reactions or Guillain-Barre syndrome.
What it does:
Treats disease due to viral infection and prevents high risk patients prior to being infected.
Medications in this class:
Oseltamivir and Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid).
Pros:
- Can prevent serious illness if taken quickly after symptoms start.
Cons:
- Can cause side effects and drug interactions, dosing is highly individualized.
What it does:
Reduces body pain, headaches and fever.
Medications in this class:
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen.
Pros:
- Can help manage getting through the tough initial days of infection.
Cons:
- May reduce the immune system response to the virus.
- Can cause side GI, kidney, liver and heart side effects and should be used with caution with certain medical conditions.
The information here has been written and reviewed by a licensed pharmacist. This summary is a only a very brief synopsis of treatment options and does not address all complexities that may be involved in determining appropriate therapy. It is meant as a guide for you to explore your treatment preferences in advance of speaking with your health professional. Information here may be incomplete or not applicable to you. Other options may be available depending on the presentation of diagnosis of the illness. This is not meant to be interpreted as medical advice. Medical advice can only be given directly by your health care clinician. Contact us for more details.
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