Unlike bacterial infections, the flu and the common cold cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, people who contract either illness should focus on the proper use of over-the-counter medications and at-home care to reduce the severity and length of their symptoms.

Clinical Treatments for Cold and Flu

Influenza (Flu)

Prescription antiviral medications are available to shorten the length of the flu, with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) being one of the most commonly prescribed. Tamiflu works by inhibiting the replication of the influenza virus within the body.

For maximum effectiveness, it's crucial to start antiviral treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. Early administration can reduce the duration of symptoms by approximately one day and may also decrease the risk of complications.

Antiviral treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals at higher risk of severe illness, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic health conditions.

Common Cold

The common cold is caused by various viruses, most frequently rhinoviruses. Currently, there is no antiviral treatment specifically for the common cold, and antibiotics are ineffective since they target bacteria, not viruses.

To alleviate symptoms and potentially reduce the duration of a cold, people should:

• Rest: Allow your body to recover by getting adequate sleep and avoiding strenuous activities.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, herbal teas and clear broths to stay hydrated and help loosen congestion.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Take decongestants to relieve nasal congestion, antihistamines to reduce runny

nose and sneezing, and pain relievers to alleviate headaches, sore throats or body aches.

Always follow the recommended dosages and consult with your doctor or a pharmacist if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

How Long Will You Be Contagious?

Individuals with the flu are typically contagious from one day before symptoms appear up to seven days after becoming sick. Children and those with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a longer period.

People with a cold are usually contagious from a day before symptoms develop and can remain contagious for about five to seven days.

Finding Comfort and Relief During Recovery

While there is no cure for the common cold or flu, several strategies can help you manage symptoms and promote a more comfortable recovery:

• Humidify the Air: Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which may help ease congestion and soothe irritated nasal passages.
  
  
• Warm Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat by reducing swelling and irritation.
  
  
• Honey: Consuming a teaspoon of honey can help suppress coughs and soothe throat irritation. Avoid giving honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
  
  
• Chicken Soup: A warm bowl of chicken soup can provide hydration, relieve congestion and offer comfort during illness.
  
  
• Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or during a warm shower can help loosen mucus and alleviate nasal congestion.

Preventing the Spread of Illness

No individual with a cold or the flu wants to subject their friends, family members or coworkers to the same experience. In addition to spreading discomfort to people in your life, you also run the risk of creating more headaches for yourself by infecting others.

Parents who get their kids sick may have to take additional time off work to care for them. Coworkers who spread illness in the workplace may have to take on extra work while others recover at home. This cycle is best avoided.

You can do your part to prevent the spread of the cold and flu by:

• Social Distancing: Maintain a safe distance from others, especially during the first few days of illness when you are most contagious.
  
  
• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  
  
• Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues properly.
  
  
• Stay Home: Avoid going to work, school or public places until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

What to Eat and Drink When You’re Sick

What you ingest can either accelerate your recovery and ease your symptoms or make them worse. You should try to:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consume fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to support your immune system with essential nutrients.
  
  
• Stay Hydrated: Adequate fluid intake is crucial. Water, herbal teas and clear broths are excellent choices when you have a cold or the flu.
  
  
• Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can lead to dehydration and may exacerbate certain symptoms.

Get Prescriptions Filled at a St. Hope Pharmacy in the Houston Area

People diagnosed with influenza or a cold in the Houston area can rely on St. Hope Pharmacy to fill their prescriptions or recommend the best over-the-counter medications for their symptoms. Visit one of our locations or transfer your prescriptions to one of our pharmacies today.