Over-the-counter cold medicines combine ingredients to relieve symptoms like blocked nose, headache, fever and cough. They don’t cure the underlying virus, but they can make you feel more comfortable while your body fights it.

They can be helpful when symptoms are making it hard to sleep, work or eat. However, each extra ingredient also increases the risk of side effects or interactions, especially if you’re already taking other medicines. It’s important to read labels and avoid double-dosing on the same active components (like paracetamol) from different products.

For mild colds, rest, fluids, saline nasal sprays, steam and simple pain relief may be enough. Not every sniffle needs a complex combination syrup or tablet. Also, many cold medicines aren’t suitable for very young children or people with certain heart, blood pressure or thyroid conditions.

If fever is high, lasts more than a few days, or you have chest pain, breathing difficulty or ear pain, it’s time for medical advice rather than more self-medication.