Dr. Don Frisch

Join UMC and Dr. Don Frisch, pharmacist for University Medical Center, who will open the floor to your questions about medications.

That's where the bottleneck really is," predicted Don Frisch, the director of pharmacy and a clinical practitioner at University Medical Center.

UMC clinical pharmacist Don Frisch concurs to the Associated Press that fentanyl can turn deadly if it's used recreationally, especially if alcohol is added to the mix, "When used in combination with other respiratory depressants, like alcohol or valium, you can actually have an enhanced effect on the respiratory system -- leading to death," Frisch said.

And keep yourself hydrated, said Don Frisch, a doctor of pharmacy at University Medical Center."People forget to eat or drink, and that actually makes the immune system worse."

Over-the-counter medications can help to relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu, but be careful when using them and always read labels.For example, Frisch said, decongestants aren't suitable for those with high blood pressure, and antihistamines can cause drowsiness.

And, Frisch said, aspirin shouldn't be given to children because it can cause Reye syndrome, a relatively rare but serious condition.

Forget about antibiotics, though.Because colds and flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics won't kill them.

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However, Frisch said, "there is a place for antibiotics: When your normal course of the flu doesn't stop and seems to be longer and getting worse."

That may mean that an opportunistic bacterial infection has invaded the already weakened body.In that case, Frisch said, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat the bacterial infection.

The flu usually will run its course in one to two weeks.However, call a doctor if the illness seems to be getting worse rather than better or if such symptoms as a persistent fever or a changing or worsening cough appear.