Cold Season Prevention, Medication Key To Minimizing Misery (NAPSA)—‘Tis the season of giving—and unfortunately that extendsto flu and colds. Fortunately, you can minimize your chances of catching either bug, and your pharmacyhasrelief if your preventiveefforts fail. “Both flu and colds are viruses, and they can spread quickly and easily from person to person,” said Rite Aid Pharmacist Sarah Matu- nis, R.Ph. “A flu shot is available to help you avoid contracting this virus. Unfortunately, no such shot exists for cold viruses because there are too many varieties to handle with one shot.” To minimize your exposure to both illnesses, Matunis suggests If you have only one symptom take a medication that treats just that symptom, say pharmacists. infected people, washing your spray can help soothe nasal pas- avoiding prolonged contact with hands frequently and not rubbing your eyes and nose. A cold virus can survive up to three hours on objects like doorknobs and tabletops that an infected person has touched. If, in spite of your best efforts, you still come down with a cold or flu, you can wage a pretty success- sages. Drinking lots of fluids can help break up congestion. Cough—Suppressants for dry, hacking coughs; expectorants for congested, wet coughs. e Muscle aches and headaches —Analgesics. Several prescription drugs can help shorten the length of a flu ful battle against the symptoms. “When selecting an over-the- bout but only if taken within a day or two of the first appearance first read the label to see if there would be any adverse interactions with medication you're already and vitamin C are touted to help prevent and/or shorten colds, but there are conflicting studies about their effectiveness. “When in doubt, turn to your pharmacist for help in deciding counter treatment, the key is to taking or conditions you may have,” said Matunis. “The next step is to make sure your'eselecting medicine that treats only the symptomsthat you have. You don’t want to use a product that treats a sore throat, congestion and feverif you only have a sore throat.” Matunis suggests the following guidelines in determining what treatments to use: e Fever—Analgesics like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin (ibuprofen) and aspirin (never give aspirin to children). Sore throat—Gargles or local anesthetic sprays. Some anal- gesics also could help. e Nasal congestion—Decongestants. A vaporizer or saline nasal of the symptoms. Zinc, echinacea which products you should use,” said Matunis, explaining that Rite Aid’s pharmacists receive ongoing training to help them stay up-to- date on the latest products. “Your pharmacist can review these products for drug interactions and instruct you on the proper dosage, both of which are especially important for seniors and children. Contact your family doctor if symptoms persist or becomesevere.” For more information on colds and flu, see your specially trained Rite Aid pharmacist or go to www.riteaid.com to “Ask the Pharmacist.”
