Winter is the season for many viral infections that cause congestion, cough and sometimes fever. We spend a fortune treating these symptoms, believing and hoping the medications are actually helping us overcome the infection. The truth is they are not. Most medications for congestion, cough and fever are counterproductive, preventing our body from eliminating the offending virus and may be prolonging the illness.

In her exceptional book, “The Anti-Viral Gut: Tackling Pathogens from the Inside Out,” integrative gastroenterologist Robynne Chutkan, MD, describes how our bodies respond and naturally eliminate viral infections. Nasal and sinus congestion have the benefit of washing out the viral particles. I do not take or recommend medications to treat these symptoms, but instead, I will blow my nose and use a saline nasal spray to wash the nasal passages and sinus openings and eliminate the virus.

Medications can have serious side effects, especially in seniors. Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants are known to elevate blood pressure and interfere with sleep while OTC antihistamines can cause dry mouth, create heart rhythm problems and worsen balance. Furthermore, the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines used regularly are associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Antibiotics for viral infections upset the gut microbiome and can require months to recover. Some expectorants (Mucinex, Robitussin) may help a little and appear to have minimal side effects, but overall, we should let nature do its work to overcome viruses efficiently.

“Our bodies have an
amazing capacity to
wage war on viruses.
Common medications
may be doing more
harm than good.”
Joseph Scherger, MD

The purpose of a cough is to keep the lungs clear. That expression resonates with me often. A viral cold may become bronchitis, inflammation of the airways, or pneumonia, an infection in the lungs, if we overly suppress our cough defense mechanism with pain relievers like codeine. Coughing and sneezing help to expel the virus. Just remember to be courteous and cover your cough and sneezes in public.

Viruses are heat sensitive and our bodies work to destroy them by developing a fever. Yes, fevers are good for us, including children. I despair when we attack a fever with medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. A fever of 104 can be a red flag for a bacterial or serious viral infection, or a reaction to medication, but on their own, they are not dangerous. If you have a sick child who develops fevers easily, you may have tried to treat this with a combination of Tylenol and Advil every two hours in a desire to help. Dr. Chutkan describes how this cultural practice may be harmful by delaying or preventing the body from shedding the virus.

For adults, using heat such as a sauna or red light therapy may be more helpful in countering a viral infection, and instead of bundling up when you have a fever, dress lightly to let your body expel the heat.

Other adult alternatives to medications are some supplements that have anti-viral benefits, including zinc up to 25 mg, vitamin C up to 1000 mg, vitamin D3 2000-5000 units (all my patients take this with vitamin K2 for bone health) and black elderberry syrup. These do not disrupt the body’s defenses.

The human body has powerful mechanisms in place designed to fight off illness and keep us healthy.
By learning more about this vital information, we can give ourselves the best chance at health for years to come. As Chutkan writes:

Our bodies have an amazing capacity to wage war on viruses. We can inactivate them with stomach acid, we can trap and expel them in mucus, and we can halt their replication with a fever. These are incredibly well-designed systems that, when allowed to function properly without interference, can keep you safe in the face of harmful viral exposure. When you add in the powerful virus-fighting capacity of your army of gut bacteria, plus the battalions of immune cells they are able to muster, it truly is an impressive array of anti-viral capabilities.

Dr. Scherger is the founder of Restore Health Disease Reversal in Indian Wells, a clinic dedicated to weight loss and reversing chronic medical conditions. To schedule a consultation, call (760) 898.9663 or visit www.restorehealth.me.