And while you’re at it, get a flu shot, too.The throbbing in your temples, like the banging of a drum. Keep washing your hands, eating healthy and laying off the alcohol. If you haven’t been infected by cold or flu this season, congratulations. So serious, in fact, that the FDA has issued warnings about zinc products and Dr. While zinc has shown a reduction of symptoms in some cases, it did have some serious side effects. (Related: Does Getting More Vitamin C Really Keep You From Getting Sick?) Dryden cites studies showing that vitamins C, D and E have no effect on colds. (Related: Could a Nasal Decongestant Spray Be Worsening Your Congestion?) What to avoid when dealing with a cold: zinc supplements Dryden says expectorants and cough suppressants both have shown medium benefit, and medicated nasal sprays also have been shown to help and can be a substitute for pseudoephedrine. Dryden says that individuals with hypertension should avoid this combination.ĭr. This may not be for everyone, though, since it can raise blood pressure. Medication combining an antihistamine with a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) can be effective in reducing congestion, runny nose and sneezing. “Antihistamines can reduce runny nose and sneezing, but used alone these tend to have more side effects than benefits, such as sleepiness and dry mouth,” Dr. The sheer number of products available made our head spin.įirst question: antihistamine or decongestant? We also paid a visit to the drugstore to take a look at some over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. “If it doesn’t help,” she says, “at least it won’t hurt.” Over-the-counter options that can help fight a cold Dryden stresses that the success of any one of these strategies will depend on the person. Gargling with salt water helped our throat discomfort temporarily, and we also tried a warm compress for sinus congestion. While Neti pots can be effective for treating cold and flu symptoms, make sure to fill them with distilled or boiled water to prevent infections. “Some people find the saline to be a nasal irritant, so it may not be for everyone,” she cautions. Dryden says these are typically safe to use and effective in clearing congestion and stuffiness. We also tried a nasal irrigation system using a Neti pot and saline. Dryden says, “The steam may help moisturize mucous membranes and temporarily ease congestion.” Saline rinses can help ease cold symptoms
Next, it was time for a hot, steamy shower. “It may help, as it can act as a mild anti-inflammatory and helps temporarily speed the movement of mucus,” Dr. “Adding alcohol in small amounts is not likely harmful, but more than one alcoholic drink a day can suppress the immune system.” “Warm beverages can soothe a sore throat and many patients find them useful,” Dr. Natalie Dryden to assess each one.įirst we tried a hot toddy, a mixture of warm water, honey and whiskey or rum in small but roughly equal amounts, topped with a bit of lemon juice. We tried a handful of time-tested cold and flu home remedies and asked Houston Methodist primary care physician Dr. Putting the classic cold home remedies to the test You undoubtedly have that resting and water-drinking down to a science, so let’s talk about treating the symptoms. You have a runny or stuffy nose, maybe a sore throat, you’re sneezing and coughing. Keep in mind, antibiotics do not help with cold or flu, and can cause side effects.īut, now you’re stuck at home, sniffling and feeling crummy. If you've already been struck by one of these illnesses, you may have gone to a doctor and received the usual, sensible advice: Expect to have symptoms for 7 to 10 days, get lots of rest, drink plenty of water and treat the symptoms. Fall and winter months can mean cold and flu time, so it's time to start protecting yourself against the flu.
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