Self-Care for Pain, Colds/Coughs, Fever

Things to consider before taking over the counter medications:

1. Interactions with prescription medications: If you take prescription medication(s), before you take any over-the-counter medications, please check for interactions. (https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html)

2. Active Ingredients: Check labels for active ingredients: Medications can be sold under many different brand names but contain the same generic drugs or multiple generic drugs. Read labels carefully to avoid taking more than one medication containing the same drug. For example, phenylephrine is contained in Dayquil, Sudafed PE, Mucinex Sinus Max, and Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain.  

3. Underlying health conditions, medication allergies: If you have underlying health conditions or medication allergies and have questions about what is and is not safe to take you should contact your primary health provider or talk to a pharmacist.

4. If self-care interventions are ineffective or if you have questions, please contact Student Health Services.

Fever, Body Aches, Headache, Pain

To start take EITHER:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), take 650 (two 325mg tablets) to 1000mg (two 500mg tablets) every 8 hours as needed (up to 3 times a day).
Do not take more than 4,000mg of Regular Strength Acetaminophen in a 24-hour period. For Tylenol Extra Strength, the maximum dose is 3000 mg in a 24-hour period. Taking more than the recommended amount may increase the risk of serious liver problems. Many cold and sinus medications contain acetaminophen so make sure to factor this into your total daily dose.

An NSAID medication like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400mg every 6 hours as needed
Naproxen (Aleve) 220mg 2 tabs every 12 hours as needed (Do not take both Naproxen and Ibuprofen on the same day).
If your fever/pain returns prior to the time when your next dose is due, you can alternate dosing of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen - see below for example.

Sample Dosing schedule for fever management: (all suggested doses are as needed.)

Seek medical attention immediately for sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, skin rash, confusion or other unusual symptoms.

9 am: Acetaminophen (325mg) 2 tablets

1pm: Ibuprofen (200mg) 2 tablets

5pm: Acetaminophen (325mg) 2 tablets

9pm: Ibuprofen (200mg) 2 tablets

1am (if awake): Acetaminophen (325mg) 2 tablets

Dehydration

Stay hydrated! Drink 2-3 liters of water a day.

Waiting until you are thirsty is a signal that you are behind on fluids. Hydration is especially important if you have a fever.

Sore Throat

Saltwater gargles 4x day: Mix ½ teaspoon salt with 8oz. warm water. Gargle and spit as needed. Use the warmest water you can tolerate.
Swallow 1 tsp of honey in hot tea or by itself.
Suck on hard candy, cough drops, or sore throat lozenges.
Use a humidifier if possible (dry air makes sore throat pain worse)
Ibuprofen 200mg as directed on package. See ‘Pain’ recommendations
Stay hydrated, around 8 cups of water a day. Rest.

Congestion/Runny Nose

Decongestants such as Sudafed (phenylephrine)
Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, or a decongestant/antihistamine combination such as Claritin D or Sudafed Plus.
Afrin (or generic equivalent) nasal spray as directed on package. Use for a MAXIMUM of 3 days. You can switch to nasal saline spray after using Afrin for 3 days.
Nasal Saline Spray (salt-water spray for nasal congestion)
Sleep with your head elevated on a pillow.
Steamy, hot showers or a humidifier.
Stay hydrated, around 8 cups of water a day. Rest.

Cough

DRY cough: try a cough suppressant, a product with dextromethorphan - Robitussin and Delsym are examples. Dextromethorphan can interact with medications used for anxiety and/or depression. If you are on one of these medications, contact student health services for guidance with cough suppression.
WET/PRODUCTIVE cough and/or chest congestion: try expectorants, a product with guaifenesin such as Mucinex.
Combination of both – reduces your cough and thins the mucus in your lungs: Mucinex DM, Tussin DM, Robitussin Cough and Chest DM
Cough drops
Honey (about 1 teaspoon) or Hot Tea – alone or together.
Stay hydrated, around 8 cups of water a day. Rest.