If you become suddenly ill with high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or you have other concerns, do not use Over the Counter products. You need to see a medical provider.
Over the Counter Remedies studied to be helpful for Adults for Cold and Flu symptoms
Prevention:
- WASH AND SANITIZE HANDS IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT COLDS.
- Vitamin C: 1 – 2 grams daily up to 3 months, use for prevention during flu season
OTC Treatment of Congestion and Cough:
- Nasal Saline Irrigation: 3-9ml per nostril 6 times/day, up to 3 weeks of use
- Analgesics: Acetaminophen 1000mg once
- Antihistamine plus decongestant (eg: Claritin D or Zyrtec D or Allegra D – behind the counter), use as directed
- Honey: NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER AGE 1: 1 – 2 teaspoons once.
- Vicks (camphor, menthol, eucalyptus oils): 2 – adult, topical to chest at time of sleep
- Intranasal oxymetzoline (Afrin): 2 sprays per nostril 1 or 2 times a day for three days
- Lactobacillus casei 200mg daily: Fermented dairy products (cheese, yogurt, pickles, kefir and fermented foods – 1 serving daily)
- Zinc acetate or gluconate: 80-92mg/day at symptom onset and through duration of cold
Main Reference: American Family Physician 100 (5), September 1, 2019.