Beyond the flu shot:: Tips for staying healthy in winter

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in the course of a year Americans suffer 1 billion colds. With statistics like that, one might assume that most Americans know how to treat their cold and flu symptoms.

But a new national survey commissioned by the makers of Coricidin HBP, a line of cold and flu medications specifically formulated for people with high blood pressure, shows that 45 percent of Americans complain that the cold and flu aisle is by far the hardest place in a store to find the products they need. This confusion may lead to health trouble for some of the 72 million Americans who suffer from hypertension, since the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure.

Over-the-counter remedies can help relieve the symptoms of the common cold, but it's important to read labels carefully. Some 56 percent of people say that they spend more than five minutes looking at the options in the cold and flu aisle before deciding which medication to buy. This might be because many don't know about the ingredients in their medications. Only one in eight Americans say they can easily explain the difference between an antihistamine and a decongestant, compared to the 52 percent who say they can articulate the difference between regular and diet soda.

Although many people will ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice about over-the-counter cold or flu medications, they don't necessarily make it known if they have high blood pressure.

The American Heart Association reminds people with hypertension to be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure.

Physicians also advise people to maintain good habits throughout the season. "Anyone preparing for or living through cold and flu season — especially those with high blood pressure — needs to make healthy lifestyle choices, including smart nutrition and physical activity routines," said Rovenia Brock, Ph.D., nutritionist and author of "Dr. Ro's Ten Secrets To Livin' Healthy." — ara content