The cold and flu season affects many adults and children every year in the country. If you are running a fever under 102-degree Fahrenheit and have no body aches, chills, diarrhea, or vomiting, you can opt for over-the-counter treatment options to get relief. A few effective over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu are listed here:

• Analgesics:  Analgesics like acetaminophen help alleviate symptoms like fever and pain, and they are among the most common over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu. Ibuprofen or naproxen is also commonly used, but aspirin should be avoided as it has adverse effects on the body, especially the brain and liver. Before taking analgesics, you should read the package labels carefully and avoid taking heavy doses of acetaminophen as it can damage the liver. The doses should not exceed 4 grams in a day, and people with liver damage or liver problems should not take more than 2 grams of acetaminophen per day.
• Antihistamines:  Antihistamines like diphenhydramine are used to dry out the nose and are one of the popular over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu. Having said that, these medicines can make you drowsy, so avoid driving or other complex tasks after taking them. Loratadine is an alternative to prevent drowsiness, but it may not be as effective as other antihistamines for relieving the symptoms of cold and flu. Other antihistamines for treating the common cold include Allegra®, Zyrtec®, and Xyzal®.
• Decongestants:  Decongestants like pseudoephedrine are helpful for relieving a stuffy and clogged nose. One of the widely used over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu, decongestants are known to cause insomnia, nervousness, and irritability. Also, pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should avoid pseudoephedrine products.
• Nasal steroids:  You can take these to get relief from a runny nose or sinus pressure. These are medications like fluticasone or mometasone and are also used to treat seasonal allergies. Antihistamines will also help to the same effect.
• Expectorants:  These medicines help make you blow your nose easily or loosen up the cough or mucus. One of the common over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu is guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps thin the mucus.
• Antitussives:  Antitussives like dextromethorphan can help suppress cough, providing relief from the constant coughing that takes up too much energy when you are down with cold and flu.
• Lozenges:  Lozenges like Cepacol® can help relieve sore throat, and analgesics are also helpful. For sore throats, you can also gargle with warm salt water a few times a day for effective results.

Although these over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu are effective in relieving the symptoms, if the fever and other symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, you should see a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.