The flu (influenza) and the common cold are contagious respiratory illnesses. They are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Colds and flu spread from person to person through droplets in the air. When an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air, up to 6 feet away. Other people near the infected individual can inhale the droplets directly or pick up the virus from an object and transfer it through the hands to the mouth and nose.

The flu season in the United States sees high numbers of visits to outpatient clinics and emergency departments every year. Most people experience a mild respiratory illness with symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, fever, headache, and muscle soreness. They do not need any specific antiviral drugs and recover on their own in 1-2 weeks. However, certain individuals are at high risk of developing complications from the flu, including children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 65, people with weak immune systems, obese individuals, and people with chronic illnesses like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and liver or kidney disease. Also at a high risk of complications are pregnant women and women who have recently given birth.

Medications for Cold and Flu

There are no medications that can “cure” the common cold or flu. However, many medications are available to ease the symptoms of the illness. It is worth noting that although cold and flu are infections, they cannot be treated with antibiotics because antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections and not viral infections. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat a bacterial throat infection like Strep throat and some ear infections caused by bacteria. The following medications can be used to ease the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms.

Analgesics like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Naprosyn) are used to reduce pain and fever. 

Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are used to dry out nasal secretions. These medications can make you drowsy and caution is advised while driving or undertaking other tasks that require mental focus. Non-drowsy cold and flu medicines like loratadine (Claritin) are available but are often not as effective as antihistamines in drying out the nose and reducing flu symptoms.

Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) help relieve a clogged, stuffy nose. They are often used in combination with other drugs, most commonly antihistamines. If a medicine name has “D” at the end, it indicates that the cold and flu preparation contains an oral decongestant.

Nasal steroids like mometasone (Nasonex) and fluticasone (Flonase) can relieve symptoms of sinus pressure and runny or stuffy nose. They are often available as nasal sprays and can also be used to treat hay fever and sinusitis.

Expectorants like guaifenesin (brand names Mucinex, Robitussin, Humibid) loosen mucus and make it easier to clear out the thick, discolored drainage from the mouth and nose.

Antitussives such as dextromethorphan act on the part of the brain that causes coughing. These medications help to temporarily suppress cough caused by the common cold and flu.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Cold and Flu

The vast majority of cold and flu medications are available over-the-counter. It is important to read cold and flu medicine package labels carefully. Taking more than one OTC cold and flu preparation can lead to serious side effects. For example, intake of too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. To decrease the risk of serious side effects, always read and follow dosage directions. When using liquid formulations, measure the dose carefully. Always swallow tablets whole – do not crush or chew tablets (unless they are chewable tablets).

Common Side Effects of Cold and Flu Medications

Analgesics like ibuprofen can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). More serious side effects include black-colored stools or blood in the vomit which is a sign of bleeding in the stomach. Rarely, ibuprofen can cause changes in heart rate or difficulty breathing.

Common side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and blurred vision. Non-drowsy antihistamines can cause nausea, headache, and dry mouth.

Decongestants can cause side effects like nervousness, irritability, and insomnia. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure and pregnant women should avoid decongestants like pseudoephedrine.

Potential side effects of nasal steroids include stinging or burning in the nose, dry nose, dry throat, unpleasant taste in the mouth, nosebleeds, and itching, redness, or swelling in the nose.

At large doses, expectorants like guaifenesin can cause nausea and vomiting due to irritation of the digestive tract.

Side effects of dextromethorphan, which is an antitussive, include lightheadedness, drowsiness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and stomachache.

Common Questions

What’s the difference between the common cold and the flu?

Both are very similar illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Symptoms of a common cold include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, and mild fever. The flu or influenza, on the other hand, can cause high fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.

How to tell the difference between the common cold and allergies?

The common cold is a self-limited viral illness. If your symptoms last more than 2 weeks and if you have itchy, red eyes, there is a good chance you might have allergies. See a healthcare professional if you’re not sure so that you can treat your symptoms with the appropriate medications.

How are the flu and cold spread?

Both the flu and the common cold are spread through direct human contact, such as handshakes or hugs. The virus can gain entry into your body when you touch your eyes, mouth, or nose after contact with an infected surface. A person can also contract a cold or flu virus via droplets in the air from coughs and sneezes from infected individuals.

How can I avoid getting sick with a cold or flu?

Especially during cold and flu season, it’s crucial to wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when sneezing or coughing, and refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to minimize the spread of the virus. Getting the flu vaccine yearly is another effective preventative measure. It is highly recommended especially for young children, seniors, and people who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised because they have a greater risk of developing complications from the flu. 

Can I get a discount on cold and flu medicines with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including cold and flu medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor or the preparation is available over-the-counter.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/influenza/facts-and-statistics#Prevalence

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13756--colds-and-flu-symptoms-treatment-prevention-when-to-call/management-and-treatment

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16882099/

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279542/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antihistamines/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroid-nasal-sprays/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/expectorants#side-effects

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html