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So, You Have A Cold. What Are The Best Ways To Find Relief?
Doctors say that rest and some over-the-counter products can help people deal with cold symptoms. (Prostock-studio/Shutterstock)
The Dose24:13What are the best ways to treat a cold?
Featured VideoOral cold and cough medicine containing a popular decongestant was pulled from some U.S. Pharmacy shelves this week. This comes after a panel of experts said phenylephrine is no better than a dummy pill at relieving congestion. But what actually works to treat cold symptoms? Family doctor and CBC Radio house doctor Dr. Peter Lin provides tips on how best to treat a cold or cough, and weighs in on popular home remedies. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.To/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.There are dozens of cold and cough medicines on the market, and many home remedies claiming to help — like a bowl of chicken soup.
But what actually works?
This week, CVS Health, a large pharmacy chain in the U.S., pulled some oral cold and cough medicines containing a popular decongestant from pharmacy shelves. The move comes after a panel of experts reviewed research and concluded phenylephrine is no better at relieving congestion than a placebo.
Phenylephrine is found in popular cold and sinus remedies like Sudafed and Dayquil.
Products containing the decongestant are still available in Canadian and some U.S. Pharmacies. A Health Canada spokesperson says they are reviewing "all available information," including the advice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's advisory panel of experts.
One Canadian doctor says he expects it's only a matter of time before oral products with phenylephrine as the main ingredient start disappearing in Canada, too.
"Don't worry about it, because it wasn't doing much at all," Dr. Peter Lin, a family physician in Toronto and CBC Radio's house doctor, told Dr. Brian Goldman, host of The Dose podcast.
CVS Health, a U.S. Pharmacy chain, is pulling from its shelves some cough-and-cold treatments that contain phenylephrine, which has been deemed ineffective by doctors and researchers. (Ben Nelms/CBC)Before trying anything, doctors say it's important to remember that the common cold virus just needs to run its course.
"A lot of us just think we can medicate away the symptoms that we have. But sometimes you need to give your body a rest in order to be able to heal properly," said Dr. Melissa Lem, a Vancouver-based family doctor and clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia.
She says there's not much harm in trying some of the common remedies to treat a cold, like an herbal supplement. But it's important to know what the research shows about its effectiveness.
But if you're looking to lessen some of the symptoms of a cold, here's what doctors say can help to treat symptoms.
Try to avoid virusesLin says making sure you get the latest COVID-19 booster and the flu shot — and for seniors, the RSV vaccine — can all help to protect someone from catching a virus in the first place.
Lem recommends the following measures to try and avoid viruses:
"If we use the layered approach, we will have an OK time getting across the cold and flu season," Lin said.
Some medications can helpLin and Lem say they still get patients coming to their office during the cold and flu season asking for antibiotics. But in most cases, patients are dealing with the common cold, and antibiotics won't help their symptoms, according to Lem.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and to stop bacteria from multiplying, according to Health Canada.
Lem says the average cold lasts up to 10 days. But when those symptoms hit, Lin says people often turn to over-the-counter products in hopes of feeling better as soon as possible.
He adds that for most adults, over-the-counter cold and cough medicine won't cause harm if taken correctly, but they don't necessarily always help, either. He points to the recent decision from the FDA panel of experts about phenylephrine.
"That's why they have to do trials, to show is there a benefit or no benefit," he said.
However, some over-the-counter cold and cough medicine may help symptoms, Lin says. Medicine containing cough suppressants can help address a dry cough, and products containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help lower fevers.
WATCHDoctors answer your questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine: Doctor answers your questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine 2 months agoDuration 4:50
Featured VideoInfectious diseases specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger answers viewer questions about the newly approved COVID-19 vaccines, their effectiveness against the latest variants and the best time to get another shot.Cold medicine with an anti-inflammatory can take away any minor pain, he adds. But Lin emphasizes it's hard to know definitively if people would have gotten better on their own or if the medicine helped.
He also reminds parents to not use cold and cough medicine to treat symptoms in kids.
"The Canadian Pediatric Society was pretty clear that we should be avoiding these things."
Home remediesChicken soup is a common suggestion to help those get better — and there is some research to show that it may actually help.
A peer-reviewed study published in 2000 found that chicken soup — when it includes vegetables — "may contain a number of substances with beneficial medicinal activity."
The study's authors from the University of Nebraska Medical Center also noted that a "mild anti-inflammatory effect" could be a reason why chicken soup helps address upper respiratory tract infections.
Some home remedies like chicken soup and a humidifier can help with congestion, doctors say. (Shutterstock)The steam from the hot liquid "may open up congested noses and throats" — but it will not cure your cold, say doctors with New York City's Mount Sinai health system.
"I think soups, fluids, that kind of thing are fantastic and they are a nice alternative to spending money on drugstore remedies that may not have the best evidence," Lem said.
She's also a fan of honey in a warm liquid for anyone over a year old to help soothe a sore throat. Gargling with warm water and salt can also help, Lin says.
Lin and Lem add that nasal rinses can help get rid of backup in the nasal sinuses. "I'm a big fan of neti pots and sinus irrigation because sometimes you just can't get the gunk out without flushing it with fluid," Lem said.
She adds that it's important when using a nasal rinse to boil your water or use saline to avoid getting a rare fungal infection.
Lin also recommends leaning over hot water in a cup or using a humidifier to keep the throat moist. He says when someone has a stuffy nose, they'll breathe through their mouth, which can dry out the throat.
"That's why the humidifier is helpful."
What about vitamins?Vitamins and herbal remedies, such as vitamin C and zinc, are often suggested to help get over a cold or avoid one altogether.
Lem says the evidence on their effectiveness "is really conflicting." Research into zinc for treating the common cold has shown mixed results, according to one meta analysis.
Authors of a meta-analysis on vitamin C found that taking the vitamin every day over a longer period of time didn't prevent colds or show consistent benefits if you take it after you've already developed symptoms. However they did find that it slightly shortened the amount of time people were sick by about 10 per cent.
While Lem says taking these vitamins won't cause harm if taken appropriately, "I would say the main drawback would be spending your money on things that don't work."
Lem does caution that when taken in higher-than-recommended daily amounts, vitamin C can be harmful and can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Is it a cold or something else?Lem says the symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can vary "so much depending on your age, underlying conditions and immune response." She says that can make it really difficult to tell if you have symptoms caused by either of these or another virus.
Early signs of a cold can include:
Other symptoms could be headache, stuffy nose, watering eyes, hacking cough, chills and muscle aches, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
RSV can cause similar symptoms to a cold, Lem says, but in some people it can cause wheezing or shortness of breath.
Health experts say people who feel sick should take a COVID-19 test to see if they test positive.
If you're still unsure of what virus you may have, Alberta Health Services has a list of the most frequent symptoms for common viruses. If you are getting sicker, have new or worse trouble breathing, have a new or high fever or a new rash, HealthLink BC recommends people seek immediate medical help.
When to seek helpIt's important to know when cold symptoms become serious, Lem says.
She recommends a person see a doctor or visits their local emergency room as soon as possible if they're experiencing:
3 Ways GoodRx Helps Make Cold And Flu Season More Bearable
Every year we dread the start of cold and flu season, because we know it's coming, but we don't know if, when, and to what degree it will hit our families. This year it's especially hard to predict how things will shake out, says Karla Robinson, MD, family medicine physician and medical editor at GoodRx, because we've seen such drastic swings in the severity of illnesses like the flu and COVID during the past few seasons.
"But what we do know with certainty based on last year, which really turned into a tripledemic—thanks to the surge in flu, COVID, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)—is that we've got to be prepared for cold, flu, and a host of other potential winter illnesses," Dr. Robinson tells SELF.
The medical community is hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst—and it's a good idea for the rest of us to take a page out of their book, Dr. Robinson says. "Preparation is the key to navigating these challenging months, and regardless of your personal health status, you definitely want to have a plan so you can make the best, most informed health and wellness decisions for you and your family," Dr. Robinson adds.
Knowing how hard it can be to navigate the healthcare system—especially during the fall when many people are adjusting their schedules due to the start of the school year—GoodRx developed a set of resources to guide cold and flu planning and optimize savings on related medications.
Keep them in your back pocket for when you need them—because, the truth is, even if you do your best to stay healthy, you may end up sidelined at some point. Saving money on the care and medications you need can make it all a little easier to get through the season.
1. Prevention: The Power of Vaccines
The best offense is a good defense, which is why Dr. Robinson recommends protecting yourself against the flu by getting the annual flu shot between September and the end of October each year. The typical out-of-pocket cost for a flu shot can be as high as $100, depending on your location and the type of vaccine you need to get, so GoodRx is working with Walgreens, Walmart, and Weis to offer one flat rate that includes the vaccine and all admin fees, plus tax if applicable, with no surprise costs. If you're under 64 years old, you can get the flu shot for $40 through GoodRx. And those 65 years and older who need the higher dose can get the flu shot for $70 through GoodRx. Cost should never be a barrier to staying healthy.
"Nearly half of adults don't get the flu vaccine each year; it's crucial not to let cost deter you," says Dr. Robinson. This year, the flu and COVID vaccines are available, as are RSV vaccines (for those who qualify) for the first time ever. "We've got some tools to really help people get prepared and not be caught off guard," Dr. Robinson adds.
GoodRx also offers a convenient vaccine guide to help you understand the vaccines available this fall, who should get them and when.
2. Treatment: Medications and Antivirals That Won't Empty Your Wallet
If you're experiencing any respiratory illness symptoms—think: cough, congestion, runny nose, fever, body aches—it's best to reach out to a healthcare provider for a diagnosis, Dr. Robinson says. "You want to know exactly what it is you're dealing with, so we don't ever advise people to self-diagnose or assume they know what's going on," she says.
Once you have a prescription from your doctor, whether it's for generic Tamiflu, a Z-pak, or any other medication that helps treat the symptoms of the flu or whatever bug your body is battling, you can search the GoodRx website or app to find out where you can get it filled for a lower price.
"We certainly encourage anyone who needs a prescription to check GoodRx so you can make sure you're getting the lowest price," Dr. Robinson says. "In about 50% of cases, GoodRx actually beats the average insurance co-pay for the most commonly prescribed medications, so it's important to price shop even if you have insurance."
If you don't have a primary care provider, or if it's inconvenient for you to get to the doctor's office, you can schedule a telehealth appointment with a licensed healthcare provider through GoodRx Care.
3. Answers: Health Information You Can Trust
Throughout cold and flu season, chances are you'll have some burning questions—like where you can get a flu shot, how to know if your stuffy nose or sore throat is just a cold or something more serious, what to expect if your doctor prescribes an antiviral like Tamiflu, and what you can do to help yourself recover as quickly as possible. GoodRx Health is a great resource for all of that information and more, Dr. Robinson says.
"We are really on the cutting edge with trends and following the data," she says. GoodRx will be updating a live tripledemic tracker throughout cold and flu season, which follows the ebbs and flows of RSV, COVID, and flu based on how many prescriptions are filled that treat each illness. The tracker can help key you into when these illnesses are peaking.
A few other simple things you can do to keep yourself and others safe this cold/flu season
One of the easiest and most important things Dr. Robinson encourages her patients to do during cold and flu season: wash their hands. It seems like such a simple task, but it can make a huge difference. "Be careful with hand hygiene, and be intentional about it," she says. "That means washing your hands and making sure you're not touching surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, potentially spreading germs into those areas."
She also recommends keeping that mask handy—yup, masks are very much still in style. "Masking is not just for COVID," Dr. Robinson adds. "As we saw, when we were all intentional about masking, colds and flu and other respiratory illnesses also dramatically decreased." If you're going to be in a crowded indoor space this cold and flu season, throw on a mask to stay as protected as possible from everything from COVID to RSV to the flu.
Last but not least, if you feel sick, stay home. "If you've got symptoms, if you think that you're infectious, even if you're not quite sure what's going on but you know you've got some sort of respiratory issue, stay home," Dr. Robinson says. "We know that these germs are easily spread from one person to the next. So be kind to your community and stay home instead of exposing others. That's ultimately how we will keep this cold and flu season under control."
And if all else fails, GoodRx makes it easy to access care and affordable prescriptions so that you can get back to your healthy self ASAP.
After Losing Her Leg To The Flu, Virginia Woman Urges People To Get Vaccinated
For most of the millions of people who get the flu each year in the U.S., the virus brings a few days of fever, body aches, and weakness before it goes away.
But for some, the influenza virus can lead to severe illness, hospitalization — even death.
Allison Miller knows these risks all too well.
This year marks a decade since serious complications from the flu led to a life-changing loss for the Virginia-based communications director.
At age 33, Miller was a healthy young woman when she came down with a sore throat and headache.
When her symptoms got worse, she went into urgent care for a chest X-ray, but it showed nothing alarming.
"It looked like it was just some sort of run-of-the-mill stuff — they gave me some prescription cough syrup and said to let them know if it got worse," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Back at home that night, Miller started feeling worse — and began having intense back pain.
"Thinking it was the flu or something I could get over, I kept waiting to turn the corner — like, this is the worst of it. It'll get better. And clearly that wasn't the case," she said.
Allison Miller was a healthy young woman when she came down with a sore throat and headache. Allison MillerThe next morning, when the back pain was causing her to have periodic blackouts, Miller managed to call a friend, who came over and called an ambulance.
That's where Miller's memory stops.
"I remember being loaded into the ambulance — and then I really don't remember a whole lot after that for about three weeks to a month thereafter," she said. "It just escalated very quickly."
As Miller would later learn, her influenza had caused bilateral bacterial pneumonia — which affects both lungs and is more severe than viral pneumonia.
This led to sepsis, which quickly turned into septic shock.
Allison Miller's influenza had caused bilateral bacterial pneumonia — which affects both lungs and is more severe than viral pneumonia. Allison Miller"All of my organs were shutting down," Miller said. "Within a short amount of time, I was in the ICU and they were doing everything they could. But ultimately, my last best chance was to be put on life support."
"I had missed the memo that flu vaccines were for everyone, and being 33 at the time and otherwise healthy, it didn't even register as something I should consider doing."
After five days, Miller experienced a rare complication.
"A known complication of that form of life support is amputation," she told Fox News Digital. "Some patients lose blood circulation, and that's what happened to me."
Doctors had to amputate Miller's left leg above the knee — all while she was still in a medically induced coma. Allison MillerUltimately, doctors had to amputate Miller's left leg above the knee — all while she was still in a medically induced coma.
"By the time I came out of it, it had been three weeks. I awoke in a very hazy position — and I didn't have a left leg," she recalled.
She spent another two months in the hospital and then had to do weeks of inpatient rehabilitation.
Today, in what Miller refers to as her "new normal," she wears a prosthesis and — with the help of "very qualified people" — has learned to walk again and to "navigate the world and all of its terrain."
Miller has been able to get back to the things that she loves to do, such as traveling the world, without feeling limited by her disability.
"It's just different, and I have learned to adapt and adjust," she said.
In addition to the amputation, Miller still suffers from permanent lung damage and below-average heart function.
"There was some permanent organ damage because of the strain of the virus, as it was such a severe case of pneumonia," she said. "I have a terminal lung condition that needs regular treatment."
She added, "It's manageable, but it's something I will forever deal with."
The experience has given Miller a "renewed sense of how quickly things could change" — and has taught her to be as proactive as possible about her health to prevent a terrible outcome.
"A viral illness like influenza can set you up for something more serious further on."
Overall, Miller said she thinks most people don't understand how severe the flu can be — so they don't recognize the signs that they need immediate medical attention.
"In my case, it was very quick — it was within 24 to 48 hours that it went from just coming on, to me being in the hot seat."
In addition to the amputation, Miller still suffers from permanent lung damage and below-average heart function. Getty Images/iStockphotoNow, Miller is looking to spread awareness of the importance of getting the flu vaccine, which she did not get that year.
"I had missed the memo that flu vaccines were for everyone, and being 33 at the time and otherwise healthy, it didn't even register as something I should consider doing," she said.
"If there's anything you can do proactively to minimize the risk of something that severe happening to you, you absolutely should do it, I think."
Miller said she thinks most people don't understand how severe the flu can be and don't recognize the signs for immediate medical attention. Getty ImagesMiller acknowledges that the vaccine doesn't guarantee that someone won't get the flu, but noted that "it's more of a continuum, rather than either you're sick or you're not."
She said, "You still might get it, but you may not end up in the ICU like I did … Considering the benefits that you could get and what the extreme, worst outcome could be, it is an easy thing to do that is proven to make a tremendous difference for people," she added.
In addition to getting yearly vaccines, Miller takes steps to minimize her exposure and makes healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating nutritious foods and exercising.
Dr. Gregg Sylvester, chief health officer at CSL Seqirus, a New Jersey biopharmaceutical company, noted that while Miller's experience is not typical of most women in her age range, "it probably occurs more often than we know."
Keep up with today's most important newsStay up on the very latest with Evening Update.
The flu triggers inflammation of the respiratory tract, Sylvester said, which causes it to become irritated and can allow secondary or bacteria to enter.
"A viral illness like influenza can set you up for something more serious further on," he warned. "That's why it's so important to get a vaccine."
The more severe complications of flu often are markedly reduced for those who get an influenza vaccine, according to the doctor.
"You still may end up getting infected, but your symptoms will be milder," he said. "And hopefully, your respiratory tract will be in a little bit better shape."
Mid-October is the "perfect time" to get a flu vaccine, Sylvester said, as he noted that the U.S. Is starting to see an upswing in cases.
"It's never too late, but it is important to be vaccinated before the season really gets started," he said.
Overall, Miller urged, "Don't dismiss the flu as just the flu. It's so much more than that. And it can be life-altering."
She continued, "If you're sick and the symptoms are severe, don't waste time wondering if you should seek medical attention. Listen to your body — it's better to go in proactively, rather than regret it later."
The more severe complications of flu often are markedly reduced for those who get an influenza vaccine, according to Dr. Gregg Sylvester, chief health officer at CSL Seqirus. APSylvester agreed, stressing the need for people to be their own patient advocates.
"It's important to seek care early, especially if symptoms start to change dramatically," he said.
During the 2021-2022 influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were nine million illnesses, four million medical visits, 10,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths related to the flu.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions.
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