Stuffy/Runny Nose Relief

Cold and Flu Symptoms

contac-cold-flu-kissing-germsA stuffy, runny nose is the quintessential cold and flu symptom, and it’s often the first to strike. In fact, nasal congestion seems to be the catalyst for a number of different cold and flu symptoms, from sore throats to headaches.


Why do we get stuffy noses when we’re sick?

The ‘stuffed-up’ feeling you experience when you're sick is a result of irritated nasal passages that become inflamed. Your immune system responds to a cold or flu virus by overproducing mucus as a way of flushing out the infection. This mucus can build up causing pain and swelling in the sinuses which may cause sinus headaches and/or contribute to post nasal drip – a common culprit in many sore throats.


Nasal congestion with a runny nose can also be accompanied by frequent sneezing. Like the overproduction of mucus, sneezing is the body’s attempt to rid itself of a perceived irritant by stimulating the nasal nerves. Note that sneezing is a common symptom of a cold, but is not usually present with a flu virus.


Contac Cold + Flu NightFight a stuffy, runny nose with Contac® Cold + Flu

A cold or flu virus attacks on multiple levels, and nasal congestion and a runny nose are just a few of the symptoms of this battle.


That’s why a maximum strength, multi-symptom OTC medication like Contac® Cold + Flu Night is so effective at relieving your most bothersome symptoms. The unique combination of a decongestant and an anti-histamine in Contac Cold + Flu Night can effectively control your nasal congestion and runny nose in a single dose.


In addition to taking Contac Cold + Flu as directed, you can help treat nasal congestion or a runny nose with the following at-home techniques:

  • Drink lots of fluids to thin out your mucus.
  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer, or carefully breathe in steam from a pot on the stove.
  • Use warm compresses on your face to relieve discomfort and open your nasal passages.
  • Keep your head elevated while sleeping to facilitate draining and make breathing more comfortable.


The next time experience nasal congestion and a runny nose, those telltale symptoms of a cold or flu, reach for multi-symptom Contac Cold + Flu.



Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. RHINITIS AND SINUSITIS. 2005. Retrieved August 18, 2012 from

WebMD. Allergies Health Center. 11 Surprising Sneezing Facts. 2005-2012. By Heather Hatfield. Feature Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD.  Retrieved on August 16 from

ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP. Cold vs Flu Symptoms [PDF File]. Retrieved on August 16, 2012 from