|
|
|
It's cough, cold and flu season
|
By MARLA TONCRAY, News Editor
|
You know the symptoms; sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, headache, body aches.
It's cough, cold and flu season and the search is on for the medicine that will cure what ails you. But it's not always that easy....there are a lot of over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and home remedies available to combat your symptoms, but understanding what causes them may be the key to curing them.
OVER-THE COUNTER MEDICINES
According the local pharmacists Fred Toncray at Medical Arts Pharmacy and Peggy Gilligan at Kroger Pharmacy, the common cold is a viral infection, not a bacterial infection which means you can't treat a cold with an antibiotic.
"Antibiotics can attack secondary infections, like pneumonia," Fred Toncray said, explaining why a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic when a patient exhibits symptoms of the common cold.
Decongestants are recommended to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu. Antihistamines on the other hand are used to fight allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, etc.
To attack the cough that accompanies the cold, over-the counter cough medicines help suppress the urge to cough and are also formulated to act as an expectorant, which helps loosen phlegm and mucus.
But Fred cautions that not everyone should rely upon over-the-counter medications to fight their cold symptoms.
It is suggested that people with high blood pressure, diabetes or who are on regularly prescribed medications check with their doctor first. Decongestants may cause an adverse effect to blood pressure levels and the alcohol content of some cough medicines may be dangerous to those with diabetes because of the sugar content in the alcohol.
"Your doctor will know what cough medicine to prescribe that won't raise your blood pressure," Fred said.
Both Fred and Peggy also recommend reading the label of all cold medicines to learn more about the product and its possible side effects.
Fred said aspirin will also help combat the common cold by helping to lower fever and ease the aches and pains associated with the cold and flu.
VITAMINS AND NATURAL REMEDIES
In addition to over-the-counter medications, there are ways to keep your immune system healthy to stave off getting the cold or flu.
Most retail grocery and drug stores now carry a large variety of natural vitamins and supplements, but understanding which product helps fight viral infections like the common cold can also be a challenge.
A visit to the local GNC store helped shed light on which products can be the most beneficial to consumers.
According to Manager Holly Waddell, taking a daily multi-vitamin is essential to maintaining good health.
"The first thing I would recommend is to take a good daily multi-vitamin..they have anti-oxidants in them and help boost the immune system," Holly said.
Multi-vitamins don't have to be a one size fits all, most are formulated specifically for men or women; for those over 50, who are sports active and even those who are on the go constantly and don't eat right.
Holly also recommends taking an extra dose of vitamin C during this time of year.
Herbal supplements can also help your immune system ward off a cold, or if you are already sick, they can help you feel better.
Goldenseal and Echinacea are both products which support the body's natural resistance and both can help as a preventative measure.
According to the book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fourth Edition by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Echinacea "fights inflammation and bacterial and viral infection. Stimulates certain white blood cells. Good for immune system and the lymphatic system. Useful for allergies, colic, colds, flu and other infectious illnesses."
But just like over-the-counter medications, Holly recommends people with medical conditions should research the use of natural remedies before taking them for drug interaction and reactions. Holly said her company offers a customer service hot line for people to ask questions about their prescriptions and natural remedies.
"I would suggest doing your own research to become more informed about what works for you," Holly said.
CHILDREN'S MEDICATIONS
Cold and cough medications are formulated differently for children and with the recent removal of multi-entity drugs being pulled from the shelves by the FDA due to proper dosage concerns, parents should now look for individual products to treat each symptom of the cold.
Peggy Gilligan recommends Delsym or Robitussin DM products to treat a cough; Benadryl or Claritin for runny noses; liquid Sudafed for nasal congestion; and an alternate dosage of Tylenol and Ibuprofen to treat a child's fever.
"You get better control of the fever if you alternate the dosage," Peggy said.
She also explained Delsym is a cough suppressant and Robitussin is both a cough suppressant and expectorant.
"It's safer to give a child individual medications for each symptom than multi-entity drugs. Single entity drugs are recommended now for the proper dosage for children," Peggy said.
With all the medications available, it can be confusing which cold or flu product will work best for the symptoms a child may be exhibiting.
Peggy said parents are encouraged to call or stop by the pharmacy to talk with a pharmacist if they are unsure what product to purchase.
TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID THE COMMON COLD:
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizing product like Purell.
• Use tissues instead of a handkerchief to blow your nose.
• Use a moist air humidifier during the winter months. The dry air created by your furnace removes moisture from the air, which dries out your sinus lining and cavity.
• Take extra vitamin C and a daily multi-vitamin. |
|
|
Reader Comments
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.
Add your own comments:
|
Copyright © 2008 Maysville Newspapers, Inc., A Lee Enterprises Publication
This site is protected by applicable copyright laws and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any way other than its intended purpose without the prior written permission of The Ledger Independent. Click here to view The Ledger Independent's privacy policy. |
|
|
Jobs
Homes
Cars