These pharmacist-recommended over-the-counter cold and flu products will make your next trip to the drugstore easier.
Ah, winter. The season for warm apple cider, cozy nights by the fire,
feasts, family, and visits from two unwelcome guests: cold and flu.
Keep those bugs from knocking at your door by washing hands religiously, disinfecting germy surfaces like phones and keyboards, and getting a flu shot. If you do get sick, drink plenty of fluids and consider whether an over-the-counter product is right for you. But which one?
Keep those bugs from knocking at your door by washing hands religiously, disinfecting germy surfaces like phones and keyboards, and getting a flu shot. If you do get sick, drink plenty of fluids and consider whether an over-the-counter product is right for you. But which one?
With drugstore shelves jam-packed with options, where do you begin? Top Recommended Health Products,
a resource produced by U.S. News in collaboration with the industry
trade magazine Pharmacy Times, may make your decision easier.
MORE FROM U.S. NEWS
Below, you’ll see pharmacists’ top picks for cough, cold,
and allergy relief. In some cases, two or more products tied for the
“No. 1 Pharmacist Recommended” spot when their vote tallies came within 5
percentage points of each other.
Antihistamines—Oral
Antihistamines—Oral
For allergy sufferers, antihistamines can provide welcome relief from
watery eyes, stuffy nose, and other annoying symptoms. They work to
counter the effects of histamines—chemicals your immune system produces
when reacting to an allergic trigger, such as pollen. Other products,
such as nasal/topical decongestants and sinus products may also be helpful.
Cold Remedies
We've all been there: the sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and coughing of the common cold. When chicken noodle soup doesn't cut it, the products below may help shorten the duration of your cold when combined with lots of water and rest. Also look into homeopathic cold products.
Are you sure it's not the flu? Check out flu products, and cough, cold and flu combinations (daytime).
Cough/ Cold/ Flu Combinations—Daytime
Although the flu usually hits harder and lasts longer than a cold, the two ailments cause many symptoms, including headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, and that dreaded cough. The daytime products below help you stay alert while getting relief.
Although the flu usually hits harder and lasts longer than a cold, the two ailments cause many symptoms, including headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, and that dreaded cough. The daytime products below help you stay alert while getting relief.
Cough/ Cold/ Flu Combinations—Liquid Formulations
For cold and flu sufferers who prefer liquid to pills, the products below may offer relief against sore throats, stuffy noses, and other symptoms. There are many variations of cough, cold, and flu medications, including those for daytime and nighttime.
Rather swallow a pill? Try cough, cold, and flu combinations—solid formulations.