COMBAT THE COMMON COLD

Learn how to manage your cold symptoms effectively

Woman on couch, blowing her nose
Published By: Costco Wholesale Canada Pharmacy

Fall and winter are often referred to as “cold and flu season.” However, the common cold actually affects Canadians year-round. It's estimated that Canadian adults experience two to five colds per year. There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold and viruses don't respond to antibiotics. Thus, many people look to natural or non-prescription remedies to help manage their cold. Here are some tips to ease your cold symptoms and stay healthy throughout the year.

  1. Drink plenty of fluids - This will help prevent dehydration and keep the membranes moist in your mouth and throat, which may help calm your cough. Drink water, diluted and non-sweetened fruit juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey instead of alcohol, coffee and soda pop.
  2. Add moisture to the air - A cool mist humidifier can add moisture to the air in your home, which might help loosen congestion in your nose and ease your cough. Be sure to clean the machine and change the water daily to prevent bacteria and mould growth.
  3. Soothe your sore throat - Saltwater gargles, ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy can be used to temporarily relieve your sore or scratchy throat. Do not use these remedies on young children due to the risk of choking.
  4. Try over-the-counter (OTC) medications - You may need additional help to manage your cold symptoms, especially if the tips above don't help. The following OTC cough and cold products may provide some relief:
    • Analgesics (pain relievers) – reduce pain and fever (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
    • Decongestants – relieve a stuffy, clogged nose (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine)
    • Saline nasal drops and sprays – relieve stuffiness
    • Nasal strips – open nasal passages so you can breathe better
    • Cough suppressants – help quiet a cough (e.g. dextromethorphan)
    • Expectorants – thin out and loosen mucus so you can cough it up (e.g. guaifenesin)
    • Antihistamines – stop a runny nose and prevent sneezing (e.g. diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine)
    • Combination products – contain two or more drugs, such as a decongestant and a pain reliever

Read the product labels carefully and always ask your Costco pharmacist to help you choose the safest option for you and your family. Remember that cough and cold products should not be used in children younger than six years old. Also, do not use more than one cough and cold product at a time without talking to your pharmacist first because many contain the same ingredients.

What about herbal supplements?

Despite its popular use, vitamin C does not help prevent or treat colds. Specific extracts of ginseng (e.g. Cold-FX) may help reduce the number of colds you get, but it may have to be taken regularly during the cold and flu season. Products containing a specific type of echinacea (e.g. E. purpurea) and zinc lozenges may help lessen the severity and duration of cold symptoms if started within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset.

Take the guesswork and discomfort out of cold symptoms by following these helpful tips and speaking to your Costco pharmacist. Your pharmacist can help you determine if you have a cold and whether or not you need to see a doctor.