Common Cold Catching You Every Year?

The common cold comes around every year, seemingly around the same time. The sneezing, coughing, and runny nose are symptoms of a viral infection, primarily a rhinovirus. Seasonal colds can be annoying at best and severe at worst, needing several days of downtime. The impact on daily life can be challenging with sick days, loss of income, or missing out on important events. Doctors and pharmacists recommend taking precautions, especially if someone is known to contract the cold or flu. Having a stockpile of over-the-counter (OTC) medication and supplements can keep anyone prepared.

Get these OTC medicines

If the initial signs of a cold arise, such as a scratchy throat, runny nose, and coughing, seek advice from a pharmacist. The pharmacist will recommend over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms, which will worsen as the days progress. A cough suppressant will reduce coughing, allowing for easier sleep. An expectorant is another useful OTC medication that helps clear mucus from the throat, while decongestants help with stuffy noses. As the cold may become the flu, stock up on pain relievers, antihistamines, and more powerful flu medications. All these medications will not be used simultaneously. A pharmacist can recommend which drugs are ideal based on the symptoms and severity of the cold.

Sniffle-free supplements

OTC cold medication can help manage and even shorten colds. To take the cold crusade up a notch, invest in supplements to take before the cold season and during a cold. Vitamin C is a supplement used for cold protection. The antioxidant qualities help to fight infections. Vitamin D is another supplement for cold protection and treatment. Studies show that individuals with viral infections like the cold or flu are often vitamin D deficient during that time. Zinc supports the immune system and may even shorten the duration of a cold. Other pharmacist-recommended supplements include elderberry, echinacea, green tea extract, and garlic.

Healthy habits matter every season

While stocking up on medicine and supplements is essential, self-care before and during a cold is also vital. Staying healthy fortifies the immune system, reducing the risk of infections that lead to colds. A healthy diet focusing on fruits and leafy greens provides the vitamins and antioxidants needed to reduce colds. Gentle exercise like walking or a stationary bike can increase white blood cell count to fight infections while flushing bacteria through the airways. Staying hydrated is also important, especially during a cold. Getting adequate sleep and reducing stress can help. OTC medicine will be needed to manage symptoms that prevent a restful sleep. Adopting these healthy habits may not prevent a cold but can make the process more manageable.

Build your cold kit

Get some effective OTC medication to deal with cold symptoms. Build a cold-fighting kit in advance with some pharmacist-recommended products with the most active ingredients. Cough suppressants, expectorants, and pain relievers are recommended for severe colds. Supplements can also help, with vitamins and minerals necessary for cold prevention. A local pharmacist can create a custom supplement with a process called compounding, limiting daily pills. With healthy habits and lots of rest, these cold companions can be vital for a smooth recovery.