There’s a reason they call it the common cold. It happens a lot, especially in the wintertime. With runny noses, sore throats and persistent coughs, patients’ demand for effective cold remedies is understandable. Does cold medicine really help relieve symptoms of the common cold? There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common type. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, coughing and fever. While the typical cold peaks within 3-5 days, some symptoms — especially runny and stuffy nose and cough — can last up to 14 days. Prevention is the gold standard. Wash your hands well and often with soap and water, wear a face covering to prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your face (rubbing your nose, rubbing your eyes), as that’s how germs get in. If you’re sick or your child is sick, stay home. As for cold medicines, doctors say most of them don’t work, though taking them is not necessarily harmful. It may surprise you to know that the only difference between Tylenol Cold and Tylenol Flu is the box — they both have identical ingredients. While studies say most cold medications are not effective, there are things you can do to ease the symptoms. Doctors recommend using a nasal spray if you have a lot of congestion, a cool mist humidifier to address the cough, and lots of fluid and rest. There is no cure for the common cold, so it’s all about treating the symptoms and keeping you as comfortable as possible. The most important thing to remember is that it takes time to overcome a cold. If symptoms last longer than 10 days, then it’s time to seek medical care.
