How pharmacists can support immune health

In this article:

• When is cold and flu season?
• Pharmacist tips for staying healthy
• Bottom line

In this article

• When is cold and flu season?
• Pharmacist tips for staying healthy
• Bottom line

As winter approaches, staying healthy during the cold and flu season is a top priority. People often view pharmacies as a one-stop shop for immune system care—whether that involves obtaining vaccinations, purchasing immune support supplements, or consulting with pharmacists about prevention strategies. With many people turning to their local pharmacies for immune system support, pharmacists play a crucial role in helping communities stay healthy this season. 

When is cold and flu season? 

The influenza virus is detected year-round in the United States. However, flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter and peaks between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that there are several months in the year when pharmacies may experience a surge in patients seeking advice on immune system care. 

How pharmacists can help communities stay healthy

As more people seek immune support, pharmacists are stepping up with expert guidance on prevention, treatment options, and overall immune health. When your patients come asking, start with these strategies:

1. Offer vaccinations

The single most effective way to reduce the risk of influenza and its serious complications is to receive a flu vaccine each year, according to the CDC. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, ideally by the end of October each year. Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the three most common strains of influenza viruses. Several types of flu vaccines are available. 

As a pharmacist, you can help patients stay healthy by recommending the flu shot and offering administration directly in the pharmacy. This provides patients with increased accessibility and convenience, as studies have shown that pharmacy-based vaccine services are sometimes preferred over traditional office visits. You may also review the different types of flu vaccines and help patients decide which type is best for them. 

In addition to flu shots, you may consider recommending COVID-19, pneumococcal, or Tdap vaccines as appropriate. 

2. Encourage healthy habits

Aside from getting vaccinated, taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of contracting the flu. You can recommend that patients:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when they are sick
• Cover their cough
• Wash their hands often
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs
• Get adequate sleep
• Minimize stress
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Stay physically active

Encouraging these healthy habits is a simple way to help your patients maintain a strong immune system this season. 

3. Educate patients on immune support supplements

Eating a variety of nutritious foods typically provides the necessary nutrients for a healthy immune system. However, many people wonder whether dietary supplements can strengthen the body’s natural defenses. As a pharmacist, you can support patients in navigating the claims of dietary supplements and help them decide which ones may be beneficial for immune support. 

The National Institutes of Health provides a fact sheet highlighting supplements for immune function and infectious diseases. Certain supplements, such as zinc and echinacea, have shown some benefit in reducing the symptoms of the common cold, while other supplements, like vitamin D, may help lower the risk of contracting a respiratory infection. Explaining the pros and cons of a dietary supplement, its dosing and administration instructions, and its potential risks can be extremely helpful for patients who are undecided about supplements. 

4. Recommend over-the-counter (OTC) products

Viral infections can cause a wide range of symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. Patients often stock up on OTC products to prepare for the flu season. Pharmacists can help patients do so by recommending the safest and most effective medications. For example, Delsym (dextromethorphan) is the preferred OTC treatment for dry coughs, while Mucinex (guaifenesin) is preferred for wet, productive coughs. Remind patients to use caution when taking combination medications, such as Nyquil or DayQuil, as they have multiple active ingredients, which increases the risk of an accidental overdose, especially if they are taking other medications. 

5. Identify patients who need medical evaluation

Pharmacists are sometimes the first healthcare providers patients turn to when they are feeling sick. While mild to moderate viral infections can often be managed at home, more severe cases or those affecting specific populations may require medical care. For example, viral infections in very young children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised patients typically need a referral to a health care professional. Recognizing more severe symptoms or these populations and providing timely referrals helps reduce the risk of complications. 

Bottom line

Pharmacists are in a unique position to help patients stay healthy this flu season. As frontline healthcare providers, you can advise patients on immune system care by offering vaccinations, encouraging healthy habits, educating patients on dietary supplements and OTC products, and identifying patients who need additional medical care.