Health experts recommend stocking specific over-the-counter medications and tools to manage common respiratory illnesses at home during the fall and winter seasons.
Key facts
- •Cold and flu season in the U.S. spans from October to May.
- •Experts advise against using multi-symptom medications to avoid accidental overmedication.
- •Honey is an effective throat-coating remedy but is unsafe for children under 12 months.
- •Children under 4 should generally not be given cough suppressants or decongestants.
- •Saline nasal drops used at the first sign of a cold may reduce symptoms in small children by up to two days.
- •Always check labels for expiration dates and adhere strictly to recommended dosages.
Cold and flu season in the United States runs from October through May, a period when dropping temperatures and drier climates increase susceptibility to viruses like the flu, the common cold, RSV, and COVID-19. Pediatrician Mona Amin and pharmacist Alisha Reed recommend creating a home prep kit to manage symptoms effectively. Having these items on hand allows individuals to address illnesses without needing to leave home while sick.
Medications and Symptom Management
Experts advise choosing medications that target individual symptoms rather than multi-symptom formulas, which may contain unnecessary ingredients and increase the risk of overmedication. Recommended items include NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain, and acetaminophen for fever reduction. Antihistamines can help with sneezing and runny noses, while decongestants may relieve sinus pressure. For coughs, dextromethorphan is suggested for dry coughs, and guaifenesin for congestion. Honey is noted as an effective anti-inflammatory for throat coating, though it must not be given to children under 12 months due to botulism risk.
Tools and Supportive Care
A thermometer is essential for monitoring fevers; rectal thermometers are preferred for children under 3, while oral or digital infrared versions are suitable for older individuals. To combat winter dryness and congestion, experts suggest using saline nasal sprays or rinses and a cool-mist humidifier. Additionally, keeping hydration supplements like Pedialyte, Gatorade, or apple juice on hand is recommended to prevent dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. Disposable vomit bags are also suggested for managing stomach bugs.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many viral infections can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant contacting a doctor. These include fevers in infants younger than 3 months, fevers above 102 F in children, or fevers above 103 F in adults. Medical advice should also be sought if a high fever persists for more than one or two days or does not respond to fever-reducing medication.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by NPR Health.
