"I'm a pharmacist - here's how to reduce your expenses on cold and cough remedies"

As autumn arrives, so does the increase in respiratory illnesses, leading to the prevalence of coughing and sniffles in various places.

Pharmacy shelves offer a wide range of products in the realm of cold and cough medicine, which can be overwhelming to navigate.

Furthermore, the current financial strain is leaving many individuals with tight budgets, resulting in items such as throat lozenges and cough syrups being lower on the priority list.

Thankfully, Niamh McMillan, Superintendent Pharmacist at Superdrug, has provided a simple method for economizing on efficient cold remedies.

The positive information here is that you don’t need to rely solely on pricier items from well-known brands to get the job done.

Niamh explained that despite the perceived effectiveness and marketing of branded items, it’s valuable to compare the ingredient lists of own-brand and branded products. Many own-brand products contain the same ingredients as branded ones and are equally effective in alleviating cold and flu symptoms while supporting your immune system.

Niamh also suggested consulting an in-store pharmacist to find the most suitable medicine for your symptoms.

Additionally, opting for own-brand cold and cough remedies can be a cost-effective choice. For instance, Superdrug’s own brand range is considered both effective and a good value for money, as per Niamh.

The pharmacist’s guidance is particularly valuable because, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, adults typically suffer from two to three colds every year.

In addition to colds and flu, other viruses, such as COVID-19, can also cause throat discomfort, especially as Covid cases continue to rise. Dr. Chris Papadopoulos, Principal Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire, noted that the current common Covid symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, and sore throat, share similarities with cold and flu symptoms.