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With so many variables in life keeping us on our toes, one thing always remains a constant: cold and flu season. Every year when sickness falls upon us, we find ourselves trying to differentiate between which one we might have. There are some key symptoms to each, and they can vary when it comes to treatment. With so many medications to choose from on the shelves, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. A Few Key DifferencesBecause colds and the flu are so similar, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which you are suffering from. In short, a cold is usually more mild than the flu. See the chart below for from the CDC for a list of common symptoms: Cold TreatmentsStuffy and runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and, to a lesser extent, mild chest discomfort are the primary traits of a cold. The recommended treatment options are:
Other remedies such as gargling with warm salt water, saline nasal rinses, and supplements such as Vitamin C, Echinacea and Zinc can be very helpful as well. Eating a hot bowl of chicken soup might sound cliché, but it really is soothing and helpful in combating congestion. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Too often people with a cold skip this step and risk dehydration, which can lead to a much longer recovery time. Flu TreatmentsWhile a flu test is required to be officially diagnosed with the flu, the severity of symptoms is usually enough for us to distinguish on our own. When self treating for the flu, you can start by using the above mentioned products for a cold. The cold symptoms will all likely be present during your flu as well. You’ll also be faced with the added fever and chills, headache and cough. The treatment for these include:
In addition to the supplements mentioned before, Oscillococcinum and Elderberry have been recently recommended by healthcare professionals to boost immunity. Adding moisture into the air you are breathing at home is beneficial as well. With a vaporizer you can even add menthol to the water for added relief. For a fever, consider placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead to aid in bringing down your body temperature. Pain relievers, of course, will diminish a fever as well. As with anytime you are reaching for over-the-counter medication, be sure to consult your pharmacist or physician if you have any health concerns. Certain medications are not safe to take if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Be sure to read the directions carefully, especially if you’re giving them to children. There are many combination products available to cut down on the amount of pills you have to take, such as Zyrtec-D, Mucinex-D and others. Feel better soon, Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to
insect bites or stings. They're also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Most antihistamines can be bought from
pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription. There are many types of antihistamine. They're usually divided into 2 main groups: They also come in several different forms – including tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, lotions, gels, eyedrops and nasal sprays. There's not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms. Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you. Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they're less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping. Ask a pharmacist for advice if you're unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone. How to take antihistaminesTake your medicine as advised by the pharmacist or doctor, or as described in the leaflet that comes with it. Before taking an antihistamine, you should know:
The advice varies depending on the exact medicine you're taking. If you're not sure how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist. Side effects of antihistaminesLike all medicines, antihistamines can cause side effects. Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include:
Side effects of non-drowsy antihistamines can include:
Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of possible side effects and advice about when to get medical help. If you think your medicine has caused an unwanted side effect, you can report it through the Yellow Card Scheme. Taking antihistamines with other medicines, food or alcoholSpeak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you're already taking other medicines. There may be a risk the medicines do not mix, which could stop either from working properly or increase the risk of side effects. Examples of medicines that could cause problems if taken with antihistamines include some types of:
Try not to drink alcohol while taking an antihistamine, particularly if it's a type that makes you drowsy, as it can increase the chances of it making you feel sleepy. Food and other drinks do not affect most antihistamines, but check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure. Who can take antihistaminesMost people can safely take antihistamines. But speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice if you:
Some antihistamines may not be suitable in these cases. A pharmacist or doctor can recommend one that's best for you. Loratadine is usually recommended if you need to take an antihistamine in pregnancy. Loratadine or cetirizine are usually OK to take while breastfeeding. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child. How antihistamines workAntihistamines block the effects of a substance called histamine in your body. Histamine is normally released when your body detects something harmful, such as an infection. It causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, which helps protect the body. But in people with allergies, the body mistakes something harmless – such as pollen, animal hair or house dust – for a threat and produces histamine. The histamine causes an allergic reaction with unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watering eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes. Antihistamines help stop this happening if you take them before you come into contact with the substance you're allergic to. Or they can reduce the severity of symptoms if you take them afterwards. Find out more about your medicineThe leaflet that comes in the packet with your medicine will have detailed information about it, including how to take it and what side effects you might get. If you no longer have the leaflet that came with your medicine, you can search for an online version of it using our medicines guide. You may also find information on individual antihistamines on these websites:
Page last reviewed: 28 February 2020 Can you take cold and flu tablets with antihistamines?What to do: "Avoid medications with antihistamines, unless your doctor gives you approval to take them," recommends Carr. Most nighttime cold or pain remedies contain an antihistamine, so be sure to check the list of ingredients.
Can you take cold and flu medicine with Claritin?No interactions were found between Claritin and Daytime Cold and Flu Relief. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Can you take allergy medicine and Tylenol Cold and flu at the same time?No interactions were found between Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe and Zyrtec. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Can you take Nyquil and allergy medicine together?doxylamine cetirizine
Using cetirizine together with doxylamine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
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Can i take allergy medicine with cold and flu medicine
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