Greg Rickaby

Greg Rickaby

Full-Stack Engineer / Photographer / Author

The Cold Flowchart

Posted on | 2 minute read

I love a good flow chart. While I had a cold recently, I went looking through our medicine cabinet at all the different pills and syrups…I was super confused by all the claims on the boxes.

I did some research on what the best over-the-counter medicine was for each symptom. So, while laying in bed getting over a cold, I came up with the following information and behold: “The Cold Flowchart”

Stuffy Nose? -> Loosen it with Sudafed (phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine)

Cough? -> An expectorant will help. Get some Robitussin (guaifenesin) or Mucinex (guaifenesin) Note: Many Robitussin and Mucinex brand cough medicine also contain many of the medicines below. See each bottle for details.

Fever? Sore Throat? Aches? -> Alternate between Advil and Tylenol (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)

Runny Nose? Sneezing? Water Eyes? -> Time for an antihistamine. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), or Xyzal (levocetirizine) should block the annoying histamines.

Natural Remedies -> Vitamin C, zinc, honey, hot tea, chicken broth, and plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.

Greg’s Cold Medicine Routine -> Emergen-C (vitamin c + zinc) and Theraflu. Which covers all the above medicines in hot liquid form.

Get well soon!

Greg's Cold Flow Chart. Click to download.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical professional nor is this advice intended to replace that of your doctor. I’m just a geek who had some time on his hands. Please don’t sue me. ????????

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