What Medicines (or treatments) Do You Take for Your Cold or Flu Symptoms?

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I was just wondering what other nurses take when they have a cold or flu, to relieve symptoms?

Right now for this bronchitis/cold, i'm taking Tylenol Flu for the aches, pains, congestion, and runny nose, and Guaifenesin to loosen the gunk from my lungs.

(I posted this under the General Nursing Discussion, since it is about medications)

[Mystery5]

I'm very holistic in my personal health practises and avoid medication most oif the time. I don't believe in bringing fevers down because I think it helps the immune system do it's job. So, my remedy is herbal tea with honey and lemon and a very hot bath, plus lots of rest.

[fab4fan]

Just be careful if the Tylenol flu contains pseudophedrine or an antihistamine. If you're really junky it can actually make the mucus more tenacious, and work against the guaifenesin (lesson learned the hard way, let's say...bought me a trip to the ENT).

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Fab is right. In treating a cough, you need to be careful and examine the underlying causes. Certain pharmacologic treatments can actually contradict each other or make the symptoms worse.

Assessment involves trying to ascertain the underlying cause; time of onset; frequency; aggravating factors; presence, color, and amount of sputum; fever spikes; and respiratory and airway assessment.

Nonpharmacologic interventions for cough involve chest physical therapy (CPT), cool mist humidifiers, encouraging adequate hydration, and positioning for optimal drainage of secretions and comfort (head of the bed elevated). Patients should avoid any stimulus shown to induce cough (cold air, smoke, exercise).

Pharmacologic measures involve bronchodilators, nebulizers, and expectorants (if there are secretions that need to be cleared); antibiotics (if there is an infection); opioid cough suppressants (if clearing secretions is not a problem); and anticholinergics such as atropine or vistaril if there are excessive secretions.

If you truly have bronchitis, an antibiotic may be in order.

[mitchsmom]

I try not to take meds either & only do so if the sickness is really extraordinary (i.e. I have probably taken cold meds a couple of times in the last 5 years- once was when I was pregnant with bronchitis and an ear infection and really miserable). Much of the time the side effects of meds are more annoying for me than just letting a mild illness run its course.

[Pattiecake]

I try not to take meds either & only do so if the sickness is really extraordinary (i.e. I have probably taken cold meds a couple of times in the last 5 years- once was when I was pregnant with bronchitis and an ear infection and really miserable). Much of the time the side effects of meds are more annoying for me than just letting a mild illness run its course.

:chuckle Just have to ask, how did you get pregnant with bronchitis and an ear infection?.

On a more serious note, I always use ecchinachae at the onset of a cold. Boosts the immune system and the cold is gone almost before I know it. I take it every 2 hours while awake. Works wonders.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Hope you get well soon.

[laurakoko]

This might sound weird, but when I feel a cold coming on, get sick, or the flu... I make a "jug" of crystal light, water, "Propel", and drink as much as I can tolerate! I think I "pee" my cold away. Might sound weird, but it works everytime! I don't think it actually gets rid of the virus, but I sure do feel better overhydrated...

[Fiona59]

Boiling water, Bells, lemon, sugar (got to cool the water). Some use honey, but I'm allergic. Drink two, fall asleep, repeat if required.

Only time I drink.

[plumrn, BSN, RN]

Nyquil for me. I take that before bedtime, and I can usually get the best rest possible with a cold/flu. I even take it during the daytime if I'm really sick and have to miss work. If I'm not bad enough to stay home, I take dayquil. If I find a store brand of Nyquil, I check the ingredients, and if they are exactly the same I will buy the cheaper version.

[Burnt Out, ASN, RN]

I will sometimes take Tylenol Cold and Robitussin: if I start having bronchospasms, I usually have to take Endal or I will cough until I puke. :uhoh21:

Usually if I am just sneezing, and I am off from work, I will take Benadryl: if I am stuffy, I take Sudafed.

[wensday, MSN, RN, APN, NP]

Paracetamol and hot toddies. Don't know if you have them in America....it's honey, fresh lemon, rum or whisky and hot water.