Coughs and colds can make you feel miserable. Yet you still have to struggle through the day, hoping to feel better. Flu makes you feel even worse and can linger for a week or longer. Unfortunately, there's no cure for the common cold or for viruses that cause flu-like symptoms but there are products that can make you feel better until the infection runs its course. Sometimes relieving the aches and cough is all you need to feel better.
Relieving Cold and Flu Symptoms
When a cough and sore throat are keeping you awake at night, cold and flu relief nighttime formulas may make it easier to rest. These cold and flu formulations contain ingredients that calm fever and muscle aches while reducing nighttime coughing. They are generally safe for adults and older children. Before using cough and cold medications for kids, consult your pediatrician.
What is Dextromethorphan?
Cough medications that contain dextromethorphan are formulated for daytime relief of coughs due to colds and flu. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant frequently recommended by doctors. It can offer up to eight hours of relief from coughing with a low risk of drowsiness. Before giving a medication containing dextromethorphan to a child, talk to your pediatrician. Don't give it to a child under the age of four.
Natural Cough Remedies
Looking for a drug-free approach to calming a cough? Homeopathic cough medications are made with natural ingredients. They are formulated to work with your body's natural defenses and healing abilities to help relieve cough symptoms. More research is needed to confirm that these products are effective.
Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
A healthy immune system may help keep colds and flu at bay. To keep your immune system healthy, make sure you're getting enough sleep. Then take steps to reduce stress in your life as much as possible. Diet also plays a role in the health of the immune system. Foods that contain a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (substances that reduce cellular damage) may give your immune system the support it needs.
Supplements formulated with a combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs are available to fill in where your diet may be lacking. Some are available as effervescent tablets that dissolve quickly in water and are rapidly absorbed when you take them.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that's vital for immune health. Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables but not everyone eats enough of these foods to meet their vitamin C requirements. Twenty-four hour time release vitamin C dietary supplement capsules may fill in where your diet falls short. They release vitamin C into your bloodstream slowly throughout the day. There's no need to take multiple tablets to get the benefits. Vitamin C supplements are safe for most people but talk to your doctor before taking them. High doses of vitamin C have been linked to a number of side effects so always take the recommended dose.
