8 Medicine Cabinet Essentials for Cold and Flu Season

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has information on how to take a reading at home and interpret the results. One thing to know: Emerging research suggests that pulse oximeters may be less accurate in individuals with darker skin pigmentation. The FDA says that people with COVID who are monitoring their symptoms at home “should pay attention to all signs and symptoms of their condition and communicate any concerns to their health care provider” while the agency continues to look into the issue.

3. A COVID-19 test  

The most common symptoms of cold, flu and COVID — even RSV (or respiratory syncytial virus) — overlap, making it difficult to pin down a diagnosis. That’s why having a rapid at-home COVID test stashed away can be especially helpful. You can find these over-the-counter tests at pharmacies around the country. Medicare covers up to eight COVID tests each month for beneficiaries, and many private insurers are reimbursing enrollees. People without insurance can find free tests at some community health centers.

Knowing whether you’re positive for COVID can impact the treatment course of your illness — especially if you are at higher risk for a more severe case, explains Robert Weber, administrator for pharmacy services at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and assistant dean for medical center affairs at the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. For example, if you are 50 and older or have certain health conditions and test positive for COVID, your doctor may recommend a prescription antiviral pill to help ease the severity of your symptoms. The results will also tell you whether you need to isolate from others so that you don’t pass on the virus.

4. Pain relievers  

Colds, the flu and other seasonal illnesses can come with headaches and muscle aches, which in many cases over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate. They also have the added benefit of temporarily reducing fevers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol is the brand name) is generally recommended for older adults, since nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — which include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) — can raise bleeding risks in the gastrointestinal tract, a risk that increases with age.

NSAIDs can also damage the kidneys and raise blood pressure, especially if used consistently, says Ashley Garling, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Pharmacy. “If you have any ulcers or history of ulcers or are on blood thinners, then I would avoid them,” Garling adds.  

However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best option for you, since acetaminophen is not risk-free — especially for people with liver issues. What’s more, acetaminophen tends to hide in several combination medicines that are sold to treat cold and flu symptoms, like NyQuil and DayQuil, so be sure to read the label to avoid unintentionally double dosing. Taking too much can cause serious liver damage.

“[It’s important to] make sure that you’re taking a minimum number of over-the-counter medicines that help with your symptoms, and definitely reporting to your physician or medical team what over-the-counter medicines you’re taking, so they can provide you advice and address with you if they have any concerns that maybe you’re taking too much of one thing,” O’Rourke says.

5. Sore throat soothers

Cough drops can settle a sore throat or nagging cough, so having a bag or two on hand isn’t a bad idea. That said, you don’t want to overdo it on the lozenges, especially if you are diabetic, since most contain sugar, Garling notes. (There are plenty of sugar-free options out there if you are watching your sugar intake.) Taking too many can also lead to a stomachache, “but generally they’re pretty safe and they can be very soothing,” she adds.

Also, be cautious about using anything that numbs the back of the throat, which can make it difficult to swallow, Weber says. And don’t forget about some of the more obvious remedies: A cup of hot tea or a glass of ice-cold water can bring relief to an irritated throat.

6. Cough calmers   

Here’s another area where you have to pay attention, since many cough medicines contain more than one ingredient — including some that older adults should avoid, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which can have a sedating effect and increase the risk of falls. Diphenhydramine has also been linked in studies to increased dementia risks. Another thing to be on the lookout for: packages with “DM” on the label, which stands for dextromethorphan, which can change your blood pressure and suppress your respiratory system, Garling says. “Really using only one ingredient for the one thing that’s bothering you the most is typically our recommendation,” she adds.

Weber suggests guaifenesin (Mucinex) to help thin and clear mucus-causing coughs. Be sure to drink plenty of water while taking it to help the process along, he says. Some antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin), can also help calm a dry, hacking cough from postnasal drip and are safer than other options, Garling adds.

7. Nasal sprays

A saline nasal spray can help relieve nasal congestion brought on by a cold. If you’re considering another over-the-counter nasal spray, Weber recommends checking with the pharmacist first to make sure it won’t affect your blood pressure or worsen any other health conditions.

8. Humidifier

Another cold weather must: a mini humidifier, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says can ease a sore throat and cough brought on by common cold viruses. Steaming up the bathroom with a hot shower will also do the trick in a pinch. 

Editor’s note: This article, originally published Oct. 28, 2021, has been updated with new information.

Rachel Nania writes about health care and health policy for AARP. Previously she was a reporter and editor for WTOP Radio in Washington, D.C. A recipient of a Gracie Award and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, she also participated in a dementia fellowship with the National Press Foundation.