The cold & flu aisle: OTC picks and when to ask your pharmacist

Choosing the right over-the-counter medicine

The cold-and-flu aisle can be overwhelming — dozens of boxes that all promise relief. The trick is to match the medicine to your main symptom instead of grabbing an "all-in-one" you may not need.

A quick guide

• Stuffy nose / congestion — look for a decongestant.
• Runny nose / sneezing — an antihistamine may help.
• Cough — decide whether you want to quiet it or loosen it; they're different products.
• Aches & fever — a pain reliever / fever reducer.

Fewer active ingredients usually means fewer side effects, so simpler is often better.

When to talk to us

If you take other medications, have high blood pressure, or you're shopping for a child, a 30-second chat with your pharmacist can steer you away from an ingredient that doesn't mix well with what you already take.

Standing in the aisle, unsure? Ask your pharmacist — that's what we're here for.