Flu season in New York City can hit hard — crowded trains, packed offices, and unpredictable weather make it easy to catch and difficult to kick. When symptoms strike, knowing which over-the-counter (OTC) remedies actually help can make all the difference.
Here’s what Sickday’s licensed clinicians — including certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants — recommend when treating flu symptoms at home.
🤒 Common Flu Symptoms
Before you reach for medication, watch for these typical signs:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue and body aches
- Sore throat or persistent cough
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Headaches
Most cases don’t require prescription treatment — but managing your symptoms effectively can help you recover faster and more comfortably.
💊 Clinician-Recommended OTC Medications
1. Pain + Fever Relief
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help reduce fever and ease body aches and headaches.
2. Cough Relief
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym): For dry, hacking coughs
- Guaifenesin (Mucinex): Loosens mucus and helps with productive coughing
3. Nasal and Sinus Congestion
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): For sinus pressure and congestion (available behind the pharmacy counter)
- Saline sprays or short-term decongestant sprays can also help — use with care and only for a few days
4. Sore Throat Support
- Lozenges, sprays with benzocaine, or warm salt water rinses
⚠️ Be mindful not to double-dose ingredients — many combination flu meds contain the same active ingredients (e.g., acetaminophen) across products.
🧠 Additional Clinician Tips
- Stay hydrated with water, tea, and electrolyte drinks
- Rest as much as possible — your immune system needs the downtime
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you
- Use a humidifier to ease congestion and throat discomfort
🏠 When to Consider In-Home Care
Sickday provides same-day or next-day house calls across all five boroughs of NYC. If you’re:
- Too sick to leave the house
- Unsure whether it’s the flu or something else (like COVID or strep)
- Needing a clinical exam, guidance, or flu testing
- Looking to avoid urgent care lines and exposure
A licensed Sickday clinician can come directly to your home, assess your symptoms, and provide treatment recommendations — with no waiting room involved.
🚨 When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you experience:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Persistent high fever
- Symptoms lasting more than a week
- Worsening fatigue or confusion
Contact your clinician or seek emergency care.
You don’t have to tough it out alone. Get the right care — right at home.
Book an in-home visit with a licensed Sickday clinician today.
