Doctor warns against using DayQuil and Mucinex due to side effects, but reveals the two cold and flu remedies that ARE worth buying
Flu season has officially arrived. According to the CDC, severe cases have already begun to steadily increase, leading to 12,000 hospitalizations and 740 deaths so far.
But for those of us with milder cases, who struggle with sleepless nights and relentless coughing, it can be difficult to know which remedies to use – if any.
Earlier this year, health officials warned that many of the products we rely on are effectively useless.
And now a Florida-based emergency physician has warned that some “treatments” are not only useless, but could even be harmful.
Dr. Meghan Martin, an emergency room pediatrician who goes by the name Dr. on social media. Beach Gem, recommended investing in a saline spray to unblock the nasal passages.
In a video posted to her TikTok channel, a pediatric emergency physician, Dr. Meghan Martin, is seen conducting an in-depth analysis of the items on the shelves of her local drugstore.
In the clip, which has been viewed more than 200,000 times so far, she says: 'Multi-symptom medications are not recommended.' Dr.'s camera Martin focuses on a range of branded products to illustrate her point: NyQuil, DayQuil and Mucinex.
These products claim to relieve headaches, congestion, body aches, and sore throats.
However, Dr. Martin told her 1.4 million followers: 'They have a lot of different products and they can have a lot of side effects.'
In particular, the drowsiness can be severe for some, especially if you have been drinking alcohol or taking certain medications for conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
They can also cause blurred vision, according to WebMD.
Dr. Martin also warns against cough syrup. “Suppressing that cough is not a good idea,” she advises. Those who have a cold should instead cough 'the phlegm' out of their lungs.”
Dr. Martin added Cough medicines are an absolute no for children under six months of age because 'tThere are many side effects and they are actually just not effective.'
“Honey has been found to be the most effective and can be used for 12 months and longer,” she said.
But not everything on the shelf is useless.
First, Dr. Martin recommends cheap painkillers, especially for children.
“Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are very helpful for reducing fever,” she says.
“They keep kids comfortable so they're more willing to drink and stay hydrated.”
She also favors saline sprays: squeeze bottles that pump liquid into the nostrils to clear mucus.
'Squeeze bottles of nasal saline are also very good for getting the mucus out. Just don't use tap water in it.'
Electrolyte solutions are “great for keeping kids hydrated,” adds Dr. Martin, “especially when they're not eating food.”
Finally, if you're looking for a thermometer to monitor your family's fever, avoid anything expensive.
Skip this one and buy a regular digital thermometer for $10-12. It is accurate and much more cost effective.”
CVS started in October this year removing from the shelves oral medications that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient, which was shown to be no better than placebo in treating nasal congestion.
The medications are used by millions of Americans and include brands such as Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, Sudafed PE and Tylenol Cold and Flu and Severe Day & Night.