Winter finds us in the middle of respiratory virus season with many people getting sick or getting a cold. While there are specific antiviral treatments for influenza and COVID-19, there are dozens of other unnamed viruses that can make you completely miserable. Knowing which medications to take for the treatment of specific symptoms can mean the difference between making it through the day and staying in bed. Therefore, it would be good to not only have your brushes and other horsey things in your wall box, but also some human products to battle ailments and the first symptoms of a virus.
In the HorseGrooms Community, I break down the following:
- What generic products are and their benefits
- Over-the-counter medications for fever
a. Ibuprofen facts
b. Acetaminophen facts - Over-the-counter medications for nasal congestion
a. Pseudoephedrine facts
b. Azelastine facts - Over-the-counter medications for cough
a. Guaifenesin facts
b. Dextromethorphan facts - Warnings
- Reading the label quiz
Take full advantage of our educational materials on the HorseGrooms Community.
Dr. Michele Hollis details how much and how often to use these medications, what they are and common brands. Sign up for free to the HorseGrooms Community to read in full.
Michele Hollis, MD, is a physician certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine who has been caring for equestrians with minor medical complaints and injuries since 2013. Based in Wellington, Florida, during the winter show season, she provides mobile medical services for equestrians through her HollisMed LLC and offers virtual consultations year-round. Michele also serves as a medical coordinator for major shows near her Virginia home, including Upperville, Capital Challenge, and the Washington International. A lifelong equestrian, she believes health care should be accessible to everyone and is passionate about helping grooms prioritize their own well-being. As she explains, “Horse grooms are marvelous caretakers for horses but often fail to remember to care for themselves. I want to help provide resources that make it easy to find answers to simple medical questions.” Michele welcomes inquiries through the HorseGrooms Community or via her website at hollismed.com.
