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About Coughs
& Colds
Before taking any over-the-counter cold remedies, talk to your pharmacist or doctor if:
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you are not sure it's a cold.
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you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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you have any other health problems (eg. high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease).
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you are taking any other drugs, either from your doctor or something you can buy off the shelf.
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you are treating a child under two years of age.
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you want to give an antihistamine to a child under six years of age.
Did You Know...
1. Going out with wet hair won't make you catch a cold. Nor will wet feet, wet clothing or drafts. Emotional stress, however, may make you more susceptible to colds.
2. Colds are caused by viruses. When a cold virus finds a home in your nose, your body starts to fight back. That's what causes cold symptoms.
3. Colds are caused by a different kind of virus than ones that cause the "flu". Getting a flu shot will not protect you from the common cold.
4. Antibiotics do not work for the common cold. When a doctor prescribes an antibiotic, it is usually to treat or prevent a bacteria- causing infection, such as middle ear infection or strep throat.
5. Taking leftover antibiotics can be dangerous. Some out-dated products can do damage to your body. Taking an antibiotic for only a few days can make bacteria resistant to its effect, so it is important to take the full prescription when given an antibiotic.
6. There's evidence that chicken soup IS good for colds. Like any warm or spicy fluid, chicken soup helps the air passages get rid of irritating mucus.
7. The drying effect of some antihistamines can help a runny nose, but all antihistamines do not have this effect. Your pharmacist can help you find one that will help this cold symptom. Antihistamines should not be used for a stuffy or congested nose. Their drying effect may make a plugged nose worse.
8. There is no truth to the saying "feed a cold, starve a fever". A light, nutritious diet, and lots of fluids, is best for both of these conditions.
9. Cold remedies come with one or more "active ingredients". Look for a product that has only the ingredients you need for your cold symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you choose the best product.
10. Some cough and cold remedies contain alcohol or sugar (also called sucrose, dextrose, glucose). If you want sugar or alcohol free medicine for yourself or your child, look on the side of the box; these ingredients will be listed under "non-active ingredients", "non-medicinal ingredients", or "also contains". If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.
