NPR News Lists Medicine Cabinet Essentials for Cold and Flu Season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cold and flu season occurs in fall and winter, starting in October and stretching through May. Dropping temperatures and drier climates make people more susceptible to common respiratory viruses such as the common cold, the flu, RSV and COVID-19, as well as back-to-back illnesses, Amin said. Many viruses and fevers can be managed at home, Amin noted, and because the common cold and flu are viral infections, prescription antibiotics cannot treat them.

Reed said a prep kit should keep supplies readily available so people are not scrambling or depending on someone else to run to the drugstore when they become sick. The recommendations include fever and pain relievers, hydration supplements and monitoring tools. Amin and Reed suggested putting products in one designated place, such as a shelf in a medicine cabinet or a handy sick-day box. They also recommended preventive measures such as disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, getting vaccinated and washing hands, though Reed said no prevention strategy is foolproof.

For over-the-counter medications, Reed advised against reaching for multi-symptom products, which often contain extra ingredients and can risk accidental overmedication. Instead, she recommended medications that target individual symptoms. The list includes pain relievers, fever reducers, antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants for dry cough and cough expectorants for congested cough. Reed said non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can relieve headaches, body aches and sore throats by reducing inflammation. Children's ibuprofen should not be used for children under 6 months old, and naproxen is only approved for children 12 years and older. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can safely reduce body temperature, though acetaminophen is usually the better choice for fevers. A children's version is available for those 12 and under, and the guidance says to follow a dosing chart when using children's acetaminophen. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends acetaminophen as the OTC pain reliever for pregnant people.

Antihistamines, the same medications used for spring allergies, can treat sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes because colds and allergies share symptoms, the guidance says. Some OTC allergy medicines are approved for children as young as 6 months, but not all, and some have more side effects than others, Amin said; she advised checking with a care provider first. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine pills or nasal spray can relieve a stuffy nose or sinus pressure by restricting blood vessels and opening airways. Pills are not recommended for children under 4, and medicated sprays are not recommended for children under 6.

For a dry cough, dextromethorphan, often labeled 'DM' on cough syrup, can temporarily suppress the brain signal that triggers the cough reflex, Reed said. It is not recommended for children under 4, and the American Academy of Pediatrics says it should not be used for children under 2. For a congested cough, guaifenesin may help relieve chest congestion by thinning mucus in the airways. Reed said people should try staying hydrated first, calling water a natural expectorant. Cough medicine is not recommended for children under 4 and should not be used for children under 2, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The guidance also advised reading labels carefully to check expiration dates and intended use, and sticking to recommended dosages to avoid unnecessary risks or side effects.

The guidance notes that the items cost money. People without flexible spending accounts or similar coverage may consider buying personal sick-day must-haves first and building the kit as they are able.