Monsoon Infections: 5 OTC Products That Can Provide Symptomatic Relief From Cough, Cold, and Flu
The monsoons have arrived, bringing in much respite from the scorching summer and heat. Be it that pleasant spell of rain here and there or incessant downpour, rainfall brings in great cheer, happiness, and, of course, its course of viral infections in the form of fever, cough, and cold. Agree or disagree, the fear of super contagious COVID-19 infection still lurks around, and masking up has become common in the public.
Viral infections in the rainy season are common and can affect all age groups, from babies to adults. Many conditions tend to subside within 5 to 7 days, but not without causing a running nose, persistent cough and sneezing, fatigue, fever, and body aches. In severe cases, the patients may also complain about breathlessness and nausea, demanding immediate doctor attention and subsequent treatment.
While we suggest you seek doctor consultation for viral infections, here are a few over-the-counter products that can provide symptomatic relief.
Also Checkout: Monsoon Skin Health: 5 Must Add Foods In Your Diet To Glow From Within – Infographic
Cough Suppressants:
Cough suppressants help significantly alleviate persistent coughing and temporarily reduce the urge to cough. Though they do not directly target the infection-causing cough, these suppressants provide symptomatic relief and help get enough rest and sleep.
Expectorants:
Expectorants rescue you if you suffer from a clogged nose and sinuses. The expectorants help thin out and loosen the mucus obstructing the airways, thus clearing congestion. They are especially beneficial if you are coughing up thick phlegm.
Decongestants:
Are you feeling congestion and finding breathing difficult due to a severe cold? Seek help in decongestants as they narrow blood vessels in the nasal passages, thus reducing swelling and congestion. Decongestants also provide instant relief from nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
Also Read: 8 Effective Ways To Battle Monsoon Infections And Stay Healthy
Mild Antihistamines:
Mild Antihistamines bring down symptoms associated with viral infections, like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes. They also induce mild drowsiness and aid in getting a good night’s sleep. Antihistamines also help in providing symptomatic relief from allergies.
Ayurvedic Formulations:
Our ancient Ayurveda medicine is replete with priceless natural formulations that can effectively fight viral infections and bolster immunity. Include Ayurvedic formulations like Ashwagandha, Chyawanprash, Giloy, Amla extracts, and Brahmi, available in the form of tablets and tonics in your daily health regimen to power your immune system and stay safe in the rainy season from infections.
Also Read: Top 8 Ayurvedic Formulations That Can Bolster Your Immunity
Caution:
Though viral infections during the rainy season are typical, we strongly recommend seeking a doctor’s consultation and approval before using OTC products to avert unforeseen allergic reactions to specific components.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.What are common symptoms of monsoon infections?
Cough, cold, sore throat, body ache, and fever are frequent symptoms during the rainy season.
2.Can over-the-counter (OTC) medicines help relieve flu symptoms?
Yes, OTC medicines can offer quick relief from mild to moderate flu symptoms like congestion and headache.
3.Are OTC cough syrups effective during monsoon-related illnesses?
Cough syrups with ingredients like dextromethorphan or honey-based formulas can soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
4.Can I use a nasal decongestant during monsoon flu?
Yes, nasal sprays or drops containing oxymetazoline or saline can relieve nasal congestion effectively.
5.Is it safe to take OTC cold and flu tablets without a prescription?
Most OTC cold and flu tablets are safe for short-term use, but always follow dosage instructions and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Fever: Types, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Fever, also known as pyrexia, high temperature or high fever is the body’s normal reaction to a variety of conditions, infections and the most common medical symptom. Fever is the febrile response and defined as having a temperature above the normal range 98.6F (37C). Also Read: How To Prevent Highly Contagious Viral Fevers
It is mostly a side effect of ailments like flu, influenza, cold and it is an indication that the immune system is working hard to combat an infection or illness. Generally, fever set off when the immune system produces more white blood cells to battle an infection, increased white blood cells stimulate the brain to heat the body up and result in fever. The body reacts to this and tries to cool itself off by constricting the blood flow to the skin and contracting muscles, which cause chills, body and muscle aches. Also Read: Influenza Virus: Debunking Common Myths About The Contagious Disease
The normal body temperature ranges from 97F to 98.7F (36.1C to 37.2C), if your body temperature rises above this then you may have a fever.
Types Of Fever
1.A low-grade fever happens when the body temperature rises to 100.4F (38C)
2.Moderate fever if the temperature rises above 102.2-104F or 39.1-40C
3.High-grade fever indicates if the body temperature is 104F (39.4C) or above.
4.Hyperpyrexia, if the temperature is above 106F or 41.1C
Generally, most fevers settle on their own within 1- 3 days. However, persistent or continuous fever may start or reoccur for up to 14 days.
1.Acute – if the duration of fever is less than 7 days
2.Sub-acute- if the fever lasts up to 14 days
3.Chronic or persistent- if fever continues for over 14 days
A fever that persists may be serious even if it is a mild fever, as recurrent fever is the indication of more severe infection or health condition.
Symptoms
•Sweating
•Chills
•Headaches
•Muscle ache
•Poor appetite
•Fatigue
•Weakness
•Seek immediate medical care if you have a high-grade fever with a temperature of 103F or above continuously for more than 3 days and symptoms include:
•Pondering headache
•Dizziness
•Skin rashes
•Sensitivity to light
•Difficult breathing
•Vomiting
•Muscle cramps and abdominal pain
•Dehydration
•Seizures
Causes
Some of the causes of fever in adults include viral infection (flu or a cold), bacterial infection, fungal infection, food poisoning, heat exhaustion, sunburn, inflammation and tumor. Comorbid health conditions like asthma, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and intake of certain medications for a longer duration may lead to serious febrile illness.
Treatment
A fever is usually not dangerous on its own, as most fevers go away within hours to days as the body beats an infection. Follow these simple and effective measures to feel better and recover:
•Drink enough to stay hydrated, like water, juice, clear soup
•Eat a bland and soft diet that is light on the tummy
•Take enough rest
•Take a warm sponge bath
Some of the over-the-counter medications may help you relieve fever and other symptoms associated with it like headache, body ache and muscle pain. If the fever is very severe, then the mode of treatment depends on knowing the causative factor behind this and the doctors may prescribe medications like antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals to treat any serious infections.
Dietary Management Of Fever
It is essential to manage the fever with good nutrition to ease the symptoms and promote faster convalesce. The body needs more calories to function properly in fever than it requires in normal time. A well-balanced diet regimen in fever is important to build a robust immune system. As more calories are burnt by the body during a fever it important to give energy-dense foods.
A high calorie, protein, low fat and fluid diet is recommended during fever. In the initial two-three days of fever, the diet should comprise more liquid-based like soups, glucose water, juice and milk (if there is no diarrhoea). Small frequent meals are given at about every two hours and gradually increased to every four hours.
Soft bland, easily digestible and absorbable foods are included- porridge, cereal, milk, soft fruits like banana, papaya, apple, orange, melons and musambi, soft or mashed dal rice and well-boiled vegetables are also given to meet the demands of nutrients. During fever, there is an increased need for essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, B and minerals calcium, iron and sodium.
Foods such as fatty, spicy and high fibre ones which are hard to digest should be restricted.
Foods To Be Added
Fruit juices
Milk
Tender coconut water
Barley water
Rice Porridge
Custard
Boiled Egg
Vegetable juices
Soups
Cereal porridges
Lean meat
Poached or steamed fish
Boiled Vegetables (potato, sweet potato, carrots, pumpkins)
Citrus fruits
Foods To Be Avoided
Ghee
High fibrous foods
Fried foods
Sugary pastries
Canned foods
Spicy foods
Strongly flavoured beverages.
Rich soups
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 types of fever?
Fever is categorised based on the pattern of temperature changes:
Continuous Fever
Body temperature remains above normal throughout the day with minimal fluctuation (≤1°C).
Example: Typhoid fever.
Intermittent Fever
Fever comes and goes, with periods of normal temperature in between.
Example malaria.
Remittent Fever
Temperature remains elevated but fluctuates more than 1°C in 24 hours and never returns to normal.
Example infective endocarditis.
Relapsing Fever
Episodes of fever are separated by days of normal temperature.
Example Borrelia infection (relapsing fever).
What is the best treatment for fever?
Treatment depends on the cause, but generally includes:
Rest and hydration
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort
Antibiotics or antivirals, if a specific infection is identified
Cold compresses or lukewarm baths for high fevers
Monitoring to watch for worsening symptoms
Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics; use only when prescribed by a doctor.
Can viral fever last for 7 days?
Yes, viral fever can last up to 7 days or slightly more, depending on the virus and individual immunity.
Common viral fevers like dengue, influenza, COVID-19, or mononucleosis may last 5–10 days.
Symptoms usually peak in 2–3 days and improve gradually.
If fever persists beyond 7 days, it’s important to consult a doctor to rule out secondary infections or other causes.
How to confirm viral fever?
There’s no single test for “viral fever,” but it’s diagnosed based on:
Clinical symptoms: Body aches, fatigue, chills, runny nose, sore throat, headache, etc.
Lack of bacterial signs: No pus, localised pain, or high white blood cell count.
Blood tests (if needed):
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
Specific viral markers (e.g., Dengue NS1, COVID-19 RT-PCR, Influenza test)
Doctors often diagnose viral fever clinically unless symptoms are severe or prolonged.
How many days of fever is normal?
Most fevers resolve within 3 to 5 days without complications.
Fevers lasting for <3 days is likely a mild viral illness.
Fever persisting for 3–7 days could still be viral but should be monitored.
Fever continuing for >7 days needs further evaluation (e.g., persistent infection, autoimmune disease, tuberculosis).
Seek medical help if fever is >103°F (39.4°C) and lasts more than 3 days with no improvement.
Accompanied by symptoms like rash, confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or vomiting.
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