Flu season can bring several uncomfortable symptoms at once, such as fever, aches, a sore throat, a cough or a blocked nose. Cold and flu symptoms often overlap, and no single medicine is right for everyone. The over-the-counter medicines in this guide help relieve symptoms. They don’t cure flu or treat the virus itself.
This flu season remedies guide explains which types of ingredient target which symptoms, what to check before choosing a medicine, and when to get further advice. Knowing how different flu and cold season treatments work can help you choose a product that suits your symptoms, and a pharmacist can help if you’re unsure.
Not sure if it’s a cold or flu? The NHS explains the symptoms of flu and how long it usually lasts.
Check what you already have at home. Look at expiry dates and read the active ingredients on each pack.
•Review your regular medicines. If you take medicines for blood pressure, depression or blood thinning, or have a long-term condition, ask a pharmacist which cold and flu products may be suitable for you.
•Ask about flu vaccination. A pharmacist can tell you whether you’re eligible and where to get it.
Beechams Max Strength All In One Capsules contain paracetamol, guaifenesin and phenylephrine hydrochloride. They’re for the relief of multiple cold and flu symptoms, including headache, aches and pains, feverishness, sore throat, chills, blocked nose, sinus congestion and chesty cough. For adults and people aged 16 and over. Always read the label.
Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief Tablets contain ibuprofen and phenylephrine hydrochloride. They’re for the relief of cold and flu symptoms including headache, aches and pains, fever, sore throat, blocked nose and sinus congestion. For adults and children over 12. Always read the label.
Many cold and flu products already contain a painkiller, so check the active ingredients before taking more than one medicine.
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a decongestant that helps relieve a blocked nose and sinus congestion. As well as the two products above, it’s found in:
Nurofen Cold & Flu Day & Night Relief Tablets, which contain ibuprofen and phenylephrine hydrochloride. They’re for the short-term relief of cold and flu symptoms associated with congestion, including headache, body aches, fever, sore throat, blocked nose and sinus congestion. For adults and children over 12. Always read the label.
Nurofen Sinus & Blocked Nose Tablets, which contain ibuprofen and phenylephrine hydrochloride. They’re for the relief of cold and flu symptoms associated with nasal and sinus congestion, including sinus pressure, headache, fever, body aches and sore throat. For adults and children over 12. Always read the label.
Decongestants can affect blood pressure. They may not be suitable if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma or an overactive thyroid so you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using them if any of these apply to you.
Benzydamine Sore Throat Spray contains benzydamine hydrochloride. It’s for the short-term relief of pain and inflammation in the mouth and throat, including sore throat, sore gums, sore tongue, some painful mouth ulcers and discomfort after certain dental procedures. For adults and children aged 6 and over, with different doses by age. Always read the leaflet.
The spray works locally to help ease soreness. It relieves symptoms but doesn’t treat the underlying cause of a sore throat, and it isn’t an antibiotic. Possible side effects include temporary stinging or numbness. Ask a pharmacist before using it if you have asthma, have reacted to aspirin or other NSAIDs before, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
A dry, tickly cough usually brings up no mucus and is often linked to throat irritation whereas a chesty cough brings up mucus or phlegm. Different ingredients are designed for each, if you’re unsure which type you have a pharmacist can help.
Covonia Dry & Tickly Cough Linctus contains glycerol. It’s for the relief of dry, tickly and irritating coughs and associated sore throat symptoms. It isn’t for children under 1. If symptoms last more than 5 days, speak to a doctor or pharmacist. The standard formula contains sucrose, liquid glucose and a small amount of alcohol, and a separate sugar-free version is available. Always read the label.
Guaifenesin, one of the ingredients in Beechams Max Strength All In One Capsules, is an expectorant that helps loosen stubborn mucus in a chesty cough.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, not by cold or flu viruses, but they can flare up when you’re run down. Early signs include tingling, itching, burning or redness before a blister appears.
Cold sore treatments aren’t flu season remedies in the usual sense, because cold sores are caused by a different virus, but they can appear at the same time of year, when you’re feeling run down or unwell.
Lipsore Aciclovir 5% Cream contains aciclovir. It’s for the treatment of cold sores on the lips and face. Treatment should start as early as possible, at the first signs of a cold sore. It’s for external use only, so don’t apply it inside the mouth or near the eyes. Always read the leaflet.
Cold sores are contagious, so:
•wash your hands before and after touching the area
•don’t pick the sore
•don’t share lip products or towels
•avoid kissing while a sore is active.
Get medical advice for cold sores that are severe, unusual or keep coming back, or if you have a weakened immune system.
Many cold and flu medicines combine several ingredients, which makes it easy to take too much by accident.
•Beechams Max Strength All In One contains paracetamol. Don’t take it with any other medicine containing paracetamol. Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious delayed liver damage. If too much is taken, get medical advice immediately, even if you feel well.
•The Nurofen cold and flu products contain ibuprofen. Don’t take them with other ibuprofen or NSAID medicines.
•Many combination products contain a decongestant. Don’t add another decongestant unless a healthcare professional advises it.
Follow the dosing instructions on the pack or leaflet, and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if:
•your symptoms are severe, getting worse or lasting longer than expected
•you have difficulty breathing or significant difficulty swallowing
•you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat
•your cough won’t go away
•you have an underlying medical condition or take regular medicines
•you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (ibuprofen products must not be used in the last three months of pregnancy)
•you’re giving medicine to a child and aren’t sure of the right product or dose.
If you have difficulty breathing or signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek urgent medical help.
If you’re worried about your symptoms and it isn’t an emergency you can get help from the NHS 111 online. In an emergency call 999.
No. They help relieve symptoms such as fever, aches and congestion, but they don’t treat the flu virus.
Expectorants such as guaifenesin help loosen mucus in a chesty cough. Soothing ingredients such as glycerol are designed to ease throat irritation from a dry, tickly cough.
Check with a pharmacist first. Many products share the same active ingredients, so combining them can mean taking too much.
As early as possible, ideally when you first notice tingling or itching.
Everyone’s symptoms and health needs are different. Read the label or leaflet, check the active ingredients, and speak to the Dock Pharmacy team if you have questions about flu season remedies and which medicine may be suitable for you.
Medicines can have side effects. Always read the label or leaflet.
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