Pharmacies across New York, especially in busy neighborhoods like The Bronx, are filled with countless cold and flu products. But what do the pharmacists themselves actually trust and keep at home?
Dr. Kati Forbes, a licensed pharmacist, recently took to TikTok to share her personal cold and flu survival kit—the items she swears by when symptoms hit hard. Her cabinet includes everything from stronger nasal decongestants to soothing throat sprays.
- Cough Suppressant
Coughing is the body’s natural reflex to clear out the throat and airways. According to the Mayo Clinic, common triggers include colds, flu, asthma, pneumonia, and environmental irritants like smoke or dust. “When I’m dealing with a rough cough, I always go for a suppressant,” Forbes explains. She suggests using Delsym, Dextromethorphan, or Robitussin. “They work really well,” she adds, noting that she uses only half the usual dose due to being a poor CYP2D6 metabolizer, which affects how she processes certain medications.
- Nasal Decongestants
For blocked sinuses, Forbes relies on Afrin, which contains oxymetazoline—a fast-acting nasal spray that provides relief for up to 12 hours. She warns against extended use, as dependency can develop, making it harder to breathe without the medication. She also recommends pseudoephedrine, a powerful decongestant, but cautions it can increase blood pressure and cause anxiety in some users.
- Ibuprofen
Forbes reaches for ibuprofen when experiencing muscle aches, sore throat, fever, or headaches caused by colds or the flu. While effective, overuse of NSAIDs like ibuprofen has been linked to internal bleeding and increased risk of heart attacks, especially among adults who exceed dosage limits.
- Throat Sprays: Chloraseptic / Cēpacol / Phenol
To soothe a sore throat, Forbes uses Cēpacol, which includes benzocaine, a local anesthetic. It’s available in both mentholated and non-mentholated options. At night, she switches to Phenol spray. “Throat sprays are my go-to when I’m trying to sleep without choking on a cough drop,” she explained.
- Tylenol
Forbes turns to Tylenol (acetaminophen) for headaches and fever management. She takes two 500mg tablets every six hours and sometimes combines it with ibuprofen for stronger relief. “When I’m feeling really bad—like middle-of-winter-in-the-Bronx bad—I’ll take both,” she joked.
- Imodium
For flu symptoms involving digestive upset, Imodium is her trusted remedy. Its active ingredient, loperamide, is a synthetic opioid that works on the gut without affecting the brain at normal doses. The FDA has issued safety guidelines, stressing not to exceed 8 mg per day over-the-counter, or 16 mg with a prescription. “For your safety, always follow the label or your provider’s instructions,” she emphasized.
- Pedialyte
To rehydrate after vomiting or diarrhea, Forbes prefers Pedialyte over sports drinks.
“It’s got everything—sodium, potassium, chloride—and more potassium than Gatorade,” she said. While she admits Gatorade tastes better, especially the blue and purple ones, she stands by Pedialyte as the smarter option—especially in the unpredictable New York winter flu season.
- Tylenol Cold + Flu Multi-Action (Day/Night)
Though she typically avoids combination medications, Forbes keeps a Tylenol Cold + Flu dual pack on hand. The day formula contains acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine—a more effective nasal decongestant than phenylephrine. At night, it switches to chlorpheniramine, a first-generation antihistamine that helps with sleep. “It’s like NyQuil but with stronger decongestion,” she said.
When you’re stuck at home with a cold or flu—especially during harsh New York winters—having the right medications on hand can make all the difference. Whether you live in the Bronx or elsewhere in the city, staying stocked with these pharmacist-recommended essentials is a smart move. And if you’re looking for a trusted pharmacy in the Bronx that understands both your symptoms and your neighborhood, Mediserv Pharmacy is a name worth knowing. With years of experience serving the Bronx community, they offer everything from personalized prescription filling and compounding to diabetes care and free consultations. Their expert pharmacists and friendly team take the time to guide each patient, making healthcare feel more human.
In an age where many pharmacies feel rushed or impersonal, Mediserv stands out by prioritizing quality care, patient education, and accessibility—including home delivery throughout New York City. Whether you’re managing seasonal illness or long-term conditions, having a full-service, locally-owned pharmacy by your side makes a real difference.
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