Cold, flu, COVID symptoms and how to treat each with OTC options

With the winter season quickly approaching, respiratory illnesses like the common cold, flu, COVID-19 and seasonal allergies are already on the uptick. While these conditions can make you feel run-down, the good news is that many symptoms can be safely and effectively managed with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, often without needing a trip to the doctor.

With that in mind, here is a breakdown of some common respiratory illnesses, the associated symptoms, OTC options for each and when you should go to the doctor.

Common Cold

A cold is usually mild but annoying. Symptoms tend to come on gradually and may include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Mild cough or sore throat

Influenza (Flu)

The flu hits harder and faster than a cold. Common symptoms include:

• Fever, chills, headache
• Fatigue or body aches
• Cough or sore throat

COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to more intense, and often overlap with cold and flu symptoms:

• Fever, chills, body aches
• Cough, congestion, sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell (sometimes)

Seasonal Allergies

Unlike infections, allergies aren’t caused by germs. They’re reactions to things like pollen or pet dander. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Clear runny nose
• Congestion that lasts several weeks

OTC Medications That May Help

Below are general categories of OTC options that many people find helpful for certain symptoms. As always, your pharmacist can help you pick what’s right for you and advise you about any potential side effects or drug interactions with other medications you may be taking.

For Congestion (Stuffy Nose)

• Pseudoephedrine: found in products like Sudafed, and some “D” versions of other meds (i.e. Claritin-D)
• Phenylephrine: found in products like Sudafed PE, DayQuil, and Mucinex
• Nasal Saline Sprays: brands include Simply Saline and Deep Sea

For Allergies (Antihistamines)

• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): a sedating antihistamine, so it’s best used at night and avoided before driving or operating machinery

For Cough

• Dextromethorphan: for dry hacking coughs, found in products like Delsym, Robitussin, and many “DM” labeled cold medicines
• Guaifenesin: to loosen mucus, found in products like Mucinex and Robitussin

For Fever or Body Aches

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): found in products like Tylenol, DayQuil, and many cold/flu combinations
• Ibuprofen: found in products like Advil, Motrin, and many cold/flu combinations

For Sore Throat

• Lozenges & Cough Drops: products include Cepacol, Halls, and Ricola
• Warm salt-water gargles: easy home remedy, just ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water

Generic medications contain the exact same active ingredients as brand-name products and work just as well, often at a much lower cost. If you’re ever unsure which generic matches the brand you’re looking for, ask a pharmacist.

When to See a Doctor

While many respiratory illnesses can be managed at home, you should seek medical care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent high fever
• Symptoms lasting longer than 10-14 days
• Severe sore throat or ear pain
• Dehydration
• Worsening symptoms after initially improving

Newport Hospital pharmacists are here to help! Beginning Dec. 1, our Brown University Health Retail Pharmacy at Newport Hospital, located in the hospital lobby, is expanding its hours to better serve the community.

We’ll now be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing more flexibility for patients and community members to stop in for OTC medications, fill prescriptions and ask questions.

Whether you’re dealing with a cold, flu symptoms, allergies or just need advice on feeling better, our pharmacy team is here for you.

Eric M. D’Agostino, PharmD, is the Manager, Pharmacist-in-Charge of the Brown University Health Retail Pharmacy at Newport Hospital. Health Matters appears monthly in The Newport Daily News and online at newportri.com.