With flu season apparently in full swing, plus colds and COVID in the mix, Aspirus Health Care recommends some caution when reaching for over-the-counter medications to treat whatever bug might have struck.

Aspirus Pharmacy Resident Kenneth Yuk reminds the public to review labels carefully for safe use.

“People often grab multiple cold and flu products without realizing they contain the same active ingredients,” Yuk said. “That is how accidental overdosing happens, especially when you are trying to treat several symptoms at once.”

Choosing the right product starts with understanding symptoms, the Wausau, Wis.-based Aspirus advised in a news release. Cold and flu issues can look different from person to person, and Yuk recommends selecting medications that match what is being experienced.

Several products may appear to target different issues but still rely on similar active ingredients. Reviewing the “Drug Facts” label helps prevent taking more than intended or combining medications that overlap.

This attention to detail is especially important for families with children, Aspirus stressed. Kids typically experience six to eight colds per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because those illnesses can happen close together during the winter, Yuk encourages parents to follow age restrictions and dosing instructions every time they use an OTC product.

“Even when a medication is approved for children, the directions are different from how an adult would take it,” Yuk said. “Checking the label every time makes a big difference.”

Cold and flu symptoms usually improve within a few days, but Yuk recommends contacting a health care provider if a fever is very high, if symptoms last more than one week, or if a rash develops after taking medication. Understanding when to seek care ensures symptoms are evaluated by the most appropriate professional.

To find further guidance on treating illness, check the website online for your local health care provider. If that is Aspirus, go to aspirus.org/right-care. If unsure whether care is needed, the Aspirus Nurse Contact Center is available 24 hours a day at 715-843-1236. A skilled nurse can listen to your concerns and recommend the next best step based on your symptoms.