Cold and Flu Season Worries State Poison Control Center

Warning: Overused, misused and/or abused cold and flu medicines sold over-the-counter (OTC) carry the same overdose concerns as prescription medicines. All medicines have the potential to cause adverse effects regardless of where it is sold. New Jersey is now in a highly active cold and flu season; on track to be one of the worst seasons in years. Sufferers must be aware of the significant risk for overdose, which may cause serious, even fatal health consequences.

Cold and flu season hits New Jersey hard as healthcare facilities around the state see a surge in flu-related visits and hospital admissions. Although OTC products sold in retail/chain pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online help ease symptoms, these products do not treat illnesses like the common cold or flu. Anyone experiencing cold/flu symptoms should see their healthcare provider right away. Starting treatment quickly helps lower the risk for severe sickness, as well as, helping to stop the spread of these viruses to others. Symptoms can include but are not limited to fever, congestion/ runny nose, cough, sore throat, chills/sweats, headache, body aches, and tiredness. Getting a flu shot (flu vaccine) every year is the best way to protect you, loved ones and your community against flu illness.

“During a severe flu season, our poison control center prepares for an uptick in calls from both the public and healthcare providers as the opportunity for unintentional injuries and drug overdoses significantly increase,” says Diane Calello, MD, Executive and Medical Director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “Taking two or more products with the same active ingredients at the same time is a common mistake, but it’s one that can cause a life-threatening overdose.” Read more of this aticle Get Help: New Jersey residents can reach their poison control center in the following ways: call (1-800-222-1222), text, or chat. Get Connected to NJ Poison Control: FB / Twitter/ Website