The most important therapy right now is symptomatic. I am not a fan of combined formulations, because I prefer to target my specific symptom set, and I generally will just deal with the achiness and omit the Tylenol/acetaminophen or Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen that’s typically always a part of the combo meds. Also, the antihistamine in combination medications are typically short acting, and wear off in the middle of the night, resulting in waking halfway through the night feeling miserably, or having to dose every 4 hours. It’s just a lot. I prefer things that can be dosed once or twice a day. However, you can also use this as a way to make sure your combo med is treating all your symptoms.
For runny nose:
Antihistamines: Claritin/loratadine, Allegra/fexofenadine, Zyrtec/cetirizine, Xyzal, Benedyl/dyphenhydramine (short acting, but dries better)
Pseudophedrine/Sudafed (decongestant, but dries—shouldn’t be used if you have high blood pressure)
For post nasal drip and congestion:
Fluticasone/Flonase
Nasonex/mometasone
Pseudophedrine/Sudafed (decongestant, but dries—shouldn’t be used if you have high blood pressure)
Saline irrigation with something like Nettipot, Arm & Hammer Simply Saline or a store brand irrigation
Chest congestion:
Mucinex/guaifenasin
(Will not help dry up, but will help it come up, which is very important! You do not want that mucus blocking the airways and growing bacteria)
Vick’s VapoRub
Cough:
Generally, during the acute phase of illness, cough is protective. You want to cough mucus up, and I don’t like to suppress cough until I know the cough is residual. The goal is to decrease the mucus and decrease the need for the body to cough. Also, Vick’s VapoRub, cough drops, and lots of warm fluids.
Muscle aches/ Headache:
Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin
Tylenol/acetaminophen
Sore throat:
Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin
Tylenol/acetaminophen
Salt Water Gargles
Lozenges
Other Notes
Vitamin C, Zinc, and Elderberry may all have roles in shortening viral illness. I recommend my patients add them to their regimen if they have no metabolic (liver, bone, or kidney) issues.
REST is so important in healing. Try to get as much rest as possible to prevent developing a secondary bacterial infection. When I give the above instructions it’s my goal to prevent the need for an antibiotic prescription.