Sort Through OTCs for Cough and Cold Symptoms

This year’s spike in respiratory viruses will have patients asking which OTC to take for cough and cold symptoms.

Continue to emphasize nondrug options...fluids, cool-mist humidifiers, ice chips for sore throat, etc. And reinforce flu and COVID-19 vaccination, handwashing, staying home if sick, etc.

There’s not much evidence of benefit with any OTC cough and cold med. But people often want to try something.