Brazil guide on persistent winter symptoms and safe medication

Health officials advise that persistent winter symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, fatigue, wheezing, shortness of breath or general malaise may indicate more than a common cold. People with underlying respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, pregnant women or those with chronic illnesses should monitor the duration and intensity of these signs; worsening after initial improvement, difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever or confusion warrants immediate medical attention.

A medication guide outlines appropriate over‑the‑counter treatments. Acetylcysteine is recommended for thick mucus and productive coughs, but should not be combined with antitussives. Ibuprofen relieves pain, fever and inflammation but must be avoided by patients with severe gastritis, kidney problems, anticoagulant use or known NSAID allergy. Paracetamol and dipyrone are suitable for mild pain and fever, with attention to liver dosage limits for paracetamol and rare allergy risk for dipyrone. Combined cold remedies (antigripais) address multiple symptoms but should not be taken together with other analgesics, especially by hypertensive individuals. Persistent fever beyond 48 hours, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood are signals to seek professional care.