Resist the Temptation to Overmedicate

With so many all-in-one cold and flu remedies on the market today, there is a real temptation to overmedicate. Most healthcare professionals agree that this is a temptation that should be resisted. Many over-the-counter medications combine treatments for multiple symptoms all in one pill. For example, one pill may treat a runny nose, cough, congestion, sore throat, fever, head ache, and body aches. In most cases, all of these symptoms are not present at the same time. By taking pills like that, people are treating symptoms they don't have.

While it might not be so economical, it's better to use different treatments for different symptoms. For example, use a cough and cold pill for a runny nose, sore throat, and coughing; a decongestant for congestion; a pain reliever for head ache and body aches; and a fever reducer for fever. Most pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, will also reduce fever and that's okay. Bottom line, it's just not a good idea to take medicine that not's needed, no matter how cost-effective multi-symptom medications might seem.