The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes in people’s daily lives. From mandatory lockdowns to social distancing measures, it has been an incredibly disruptive time for all. As the world navigates this crisis, individuals are trying their best to adapt to the new normal, but it’s not always easy.
One such individual is Meg McNamara, a physician’s assistant from New York. During the height of the pandemic last year, her employer sent her home with symptoms resembling Covid-19. However, a negative test proved that McNamara’s coughs and red eyes were just her usual allergies. Determined to avoid being accused wrongly again, she started taking over-the-counter medication to mask her symptoms. Unfortunately, this resulted in drowsiness and fatigue due to the side effects of the medication she was taking.
McNamara’s experience is not unique to her. Across the United States, people are feeling the pressure to show up for work and social gatherings. However, even the slightest sniffle or cough can make others uneasy and label someone as an outcast. As a result, many individuals are using more cold and allergy medication to cope with their daily lives, potentially overtreating themselves in the process.
According to research conducted by NIQ, sales of upper respiratory over-the-counter medications in the US rose 23% to $11.8 billion in the 52 weeks through early December of 2020 from the same period in 2019 before the pandemic. Cold and flu treatments, accounting for a quarter of the category, grew faster with a 30% increase in sales. This is a significant boon for OTC producers, such as Reckitt Benckiser Plc, the maker of Mucinex, and Procter & Gamble Co., the owner of Vicks and DayQuil brands.
However, this overuse of medication to ward off perceived symptoms could have long-term consequences. According to Dr. Louis Mendelson, the former director of the Department of Allergy and Immunology in the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, people should be cautious about taking medication when they don’t need it as it can lead to antibiotic resistance and medication side effects. Therefore, experts recommend that individuals consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication to avoid these potential long-term health consequences.
Despite the risks involved, many people are still turning to medication to deal with their daily lives, as the pandemic recedes. However, as McNamara’s experience shows, this inevitably leads to further complications. It’s essential to find the right balance between social obligations and personal health to ensure an individual’s overall well-being.
