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Inside Health

How do cold and flu remedies help when we're ill?

Nov 8, 2023
Discussion on winter colds and coughs, immune response to respiratory viruses, different approaches to cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, effectiveness of honey as a remedy, and the relieving effects of menthol on congestion.
28:18

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Over-the-counter cold and flu remedies have limited effectiveness and often provide only temporary relief, with mild benefits and short durations.
  • Different cough mixtures and throat lozenges serve distinct purposes in soothing and suppressing different types of coughs and easing throat discomfort.

Deep dives

Understanding the Body's Response to Respiratory Viral Infections

When infected with a respiratory virus, our immune system produces symptoms such as mucus production, congestion, fever, and aches. These symptoms are a result of the body's immune response to fight the infection. However, most common winter illnesses are low-level and generally not life-threatening. People often have to continue their daily activities despite feeling unwell, leading them to reach for the medicine cabinet. It's important to understand that the immune system itself plays a significant role in how we feel during a viral infection.

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