The holiday season, while filled with cheer and celebration, also signals the onset of cold and flu season as temperatures plummet. If you find yourself under the weather this Christmas, it’s essential to heed some crucial health advice to ensure a speedy recovery.

Frederick Apenteng, a pharmacist at Roseway Labs, warns that certain medications might inadvertently prolong your symptoms. Recently, he shared invaluable insights on how to manage winter illnesses effectively, which could revolutionize your self-care strategy. With the arrival of the sniffle season, pharmacists are urging caution regarding popular “quick fixes” that might actually extend the duration of your illness.

Simple mistakes, such as overusing nasal sprays or choosing the wrong medications, can exacerbate symptoms and potentially jeopardize your health. It’s wise to consider his advice and watch for symptoms that may help identify the root of your ailment.

Frederick remarked, “Every year, people endure prolonged symptoms when they could have experienced just a few days of mild discomfort. Most often, it’s due to basic misunderstandings.”

Myths about cold and flu remedies

One widespread myth is the belief that the flu vaccine can cause the flu. “It doesn’t,” he clarified. “The vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus, so it can’t make you ill. Instead, it prepares your immune system to combat the virus, minimizing the risk of severe symptoms and complications.”

He further explained, “The vaccine might trigger short-term symptoms like mild muscle aches and fatigue as your body builds its defense. But that’s entirely different from contracting the flu.”

Another widespread misconception is that antibiotics can speed up recovery. “Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not viral colds,” Frederick clarified.

“Taking them when they aren’t needed won’t speed up your recovery and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat.” And contrary to popular belief, you can’t actually catch a cold from being cold. The genuine culprits are viruses transmitted through sneezing, coughing or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Common mistakes to avoid

Pharmacist Frederick also highlights several typical over-the-counter errors, including:

• Incorrect cough syrup – Expectorants (like guaifenesin) loosen mucus for chesty coughs, while suppressants (like dextromethorphan) calm dry, tickly coughs. Using the wrong one can trap mucus or worsen irritation.
• Excessive nasal spray use – Decongestant sprays should only be used for a few days at a time, otherwise they cause rebound congestion.
• Combining medications – Many cold remedies already contain paracetamol or ibuprofen. Taking more on top can lead to accidental overdose.

Colds typically resolve within a week, but flu strikes more severely and can persist for up to two weeks. You’ll suffer from fever, chills and body aches that can leave you bedridden.

“Your local pharmacist can help you work out what you have and what will ease it,” Frederick explained. “But if symptoms drag on or worsen, or you’re struggling to breathe, it’s time to see your GP. People with underlying conditions, the elderly or those who are pregnant should always err on the side of caution.”

Rest, adequate hydration and guidance from a pharmacist prove far more beneficial than taking unnecessary medication. This represents the crucial message the expert wishes to convey to the public.