Using Over-the-Counter Medications Safely During Cold and Flu Season

The return to work, school, and regular routines after the holidays can bring an uptick in cold and flu symptoms. As people reach for over-the-counter (OTC) medications, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident Kenneth Yuk is reminding the community to use them safely by reviewing labels carefully.

“People often grab multiple cold and flu products without realizing they contain the same active ingredients,” Yuk said. “That is how accidental overdosing happens, especially when you are trying to treat several symptoms at once.”

Choosing the right product starts with understanding your symptoms. Cold and flu issues can look different from person to person, and Yuk recommends selecting medications that match what you are experiencing. Several products may appear to target different issues but still rely on similar active ingredients. Reviewing the “Drug Facts” label helps prevent taking more than intended or combining medications that overlap.

This attention to detail is especially important for families with children. Kids typically experience six to eight colds per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because those illnesses can happen close together during the winter, Yuk encourages parents to follow age restrictions and dosing instructions every time they use an OTC product.

“Even when a medication is approved for children, the directions are different from how an adult would take it,” Yuk said. “Checking the label every time makes a big difference.”

Cold and flu symptoms usually improve within a few days, but Yuk recommends contacting a health care provider if a fever is very high, if symptoms last more than one week, or if a rash develops after taking medication. Understanding when to seek care ensures symptoms are evaluated by the most appropriate professional.

For guidance on where to go for care this winter, visit aspirus.org/right-care. If you are unsure whether care is needed, the Aspirus Nurse Contact Center is available twenty-four hours a day at 715-843-1236. A skilled nurse can listen to your concerns and recommend the next best step based on your symptoms.