Effective Relief for the Common Cold: Exploring Alternatives to Ineffective Medicine
A panel of experts has determined that phenylephrine, a popular decongestant found in many cold and sinus remedies, is no better than a placebo at relieving congestion. While the decongestant is still available in Canadian and some U.S. pharmacies, it is expected to be phased out in Canada as well. Doctors recommend focusing on prevention by getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene. Antibiotics are not effective against the common cold, and over-the-counter cold and cough medicines may not always provide relief. Home remedies like chicken soup, nasal rinses, and humidifiers can help alleviate symptoms. The effectiveness of vitamins and herbal remedies like vitamin C and zinc is conflicting, and it's important to differentiate between cold symptoms and those of other viruses like COVID-19 and RSV. Seek medical help if experiencing severe symptoms.