Here we are in the midst of cold and flu season, and I am looking at the collection of remedies in my medicine cabinet realizing that I need to throw many of them out. We have been lucky and have not had any bouts with the flu or even colds over the past few years so much of the medication has expired; reason #1 to throw it out. We are getting older, and the newest recommendations say seniors shouldn’t take OTC cold and flu meds that contain Benedryl because they can increase our risk of dementia; reason #2 to throw them out. Most cold and flu meds list drowsiness and confusion as possible side effects, something my husband faces anyway with his diagnosis of PD; reason #3 to throw them out.

So, what to do instead? Even though we get our flu shots every year, there is still the chance we will contract something. Do we then have to suffer through colds or flu with no relief at all? According to a blog posting on the Parkinson’s Foundation website, there may be times when it is okay to use OTC meds and supplements. If my husband is extremely sick, we should consult with his neurologist and pharmacist. They can help us figure out whether a particular OTC medication or supplement will interact with his PD meds and discuss possible side effects. We can work together to decide whether continuing to suffer with the cold or flu is the lesser of the two evils.

Should we all decide that it might be best not take OTC meds, our next approach is the tried and true. Lots of fluids and rest. Chicken soup, tea with honey, saline rinses for the nose and who doesn’t remember having menthol rubs on your chest to help relieve congestion? Most of the resources I found agreed that my husband and I would be safe taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the achiness, but we need to remember that fever is how our bodies kill the invading illness. I certainly don’t want to do anything that might interfere with natural defenses to make the cold or flu stick around longer for either of us.

To learn more about topics in today’s blog- Benadryl Side Effects: What They Are and How to Manage Them (healthline.com); Tips for People with Parkinson’s Who Want to Take Over the Counter Medications During Flu Season | Parkinson’s Foundation; 14 All-Natural Home Remedies for Fast Cold & Flu Relief (webmd.com).