Episode Summary: “The Cold & Flu Episode Everyone Needs Right Now”

Podcast: Beyond The Script
Host: Dr. Jake Goodman (iHeartPodcasts & CVS)
Date: January 14, 2026
Guest: Gurung Trivedi, CVS Pharmacy Region Director (North Carolina)

Overview

This debut episode of Beyond The Script equips listeners with up-to-date, practical advice for navigating cold and flu season—addressing common questions, busting myths, and sharing pharmacist-backed guidance. Host Dr. Jake Goodman, alongside CVS region director Gurung Trivedi, covers how to tell a cold from the flu, when to seek medical care, the latest on flu vaccines, effective treatments, and which home remedies are fact or fiction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Differentiating Cold vs. Flu

• Colds:
  • Caused by various viruses, generally milder, no cure or antibiotics needed.
  • Symptoms: runny nose, mild sore throat, cough, congestion.
  • Most resolve in a week, with cough lingering longer.
• Flu:
  • Caused by influenza viruses, comes on fast and hard.
  • Symptoms: fever, body aches, chills, intense fatigue—“feels like a truck ran over you.”
  • Can cause serious complications, especially in vulnerable groups.
  • “Knowing when symptoms are more than just a cold can make a big difference.” (Dr. Goodman, 02:06)

2. When to Worry & The Role of Testing

• When to get concerned:
  • If symptoms are severe, sudden, or worsening. If you belong to a high-risk group (elderly, young children, chronic health issues).
  • Seek care promptly if you suspect flu—antivirals work best within 48 hours.
• Testing:
  • At-home combination COVID/flu tests now widely available.
  • Regulations vary by state; pharmacies frequently offer these tests.
  • “You can walk into a local community pharmacy, pick up a flu test.” (Trivedi, 09:10)

3. Treating Cold & Flu Symptoms

• Colds: Rest and recovery; over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may help with symptoms.
• Flu: Prescription antivirals can shorten duration, lessen severity, and prevent complications if started early.
• Coughs: Importance of tailored advice:
  • Pharmacists ask follow-up questions (duration, type of cough, sputum color) to guide treatment and flag danger signs.
  • Those with medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure) may need to avoid certain OTCs.
• “Always try using a single ingredient over the counter medication…that way you’re just specifically treating what you have going on.” (Trivedi, 13:00)

4. The Importance of Pharmacists

• Pharmacists are both trusted and accessible.
• “We are the most accessible healthcare profession out there. No two days are the same.” (Trivedi, 05:08)
• Pharmacists take time to understand a patient’s history and recommend solutions that account for comorbidities and current medications.

5. Vaccines: Timing, Effectiveness & Misinformation

• Timing:
  • Get the flu shot ideally each September; it lasts the season (September–April).
  • Must be renewed annually.
  • “When did you get it? We have to slow down and remind them…that was last year. You need to get another one for this year.” (Trivedi, 14:34)
• Effectiveness:
  • The flu vaccine reduces risk of severe illness and complications—even if you still get the flu.
  • Especially critical for high-risk groups: seniors, very young children, and those with chronic conditions.
• Common Myths:
  • The flu shot can give you the flu: Not possible.
  • Natural immunity is better: Not true; the risk of severe illness is higher.
• Approach to Hesitancy:
  • Pharmacists focus on patient listening, empathy, and education.
  • “When you slow down and ask that second question…sometimes we are very surprised.” (Trivedi, 21:04)
  • Techniques to ease needle fears and clarify what vaccines are needed for each person.

6. Real Stories & Impact

• Positive interaction: Pharmacists can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives with small, empathetic moments.
  • Example: Helping a daughter and mother get vaccinated during a stressful move provided peace of mind and concrete health protection (24:02–25:20).

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “In the US, most adults get two to three colds a year…antibiotics won’t help and there’s no cure.”
  — Dr. Jake Goodman (02:27)

• “[With the flu]–all of a sudden you feel like a truck ran over you, and it can lead to serious health problems.”
  — Gurung Trivedi (08:36)

• “If one is seen by a provider within 48 hours, there are antivirals that can be prescribed…they really help in three particular ways: shorten duration, milder symptoms, prevent complications including pneumonia.”
  — Gurung Trivedi (09:25)

• “Always try using a single ingredient over the counter medication. That way you’re just specifically treating what you have going on.”
  — Gurung Trivedi (13:00)

• “One of the biggest myths: you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. That does not happen.”
  — Gurung Trivedi (16:10)

• “When we are protected against the flu, we’re really protecting [our loved ones] as well, because we are not carriers anymore.”
  — Gurung Trivedi (16:33)

• “When you slow down and ask them their concern and ask that second question, ask the third question, that’s when you really get to understand why they’re hesitant.”
  — Gurung Trivedi (21:06)

• “To us, it was just an everyday interaction, but it was extraordinary for that individual at that particular time of their life.”
  — Gurung Trivedi (25:15)

“Myth or Medicine” Segment (27:01–31:54)

A rapid-fire pharmacist verdict on common cold and flu beliefs:

| Remedy/Belief | Verdict | Insight | |--------------------------------------|------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Vitamin C prevents colds | Myth | Supplements may help if you’re deficient, but don’t prevent cold/flu (27:58) | | Bundling up prevents sickness | Myth | Cold weather doesn’t cause colds—viruses do (29:00) | | Handwashing cuts risk | Medicine | “It does work”—key method for preventing transmission (29:42–30:06) | | Sleeping extra can “sleep off” cold | Myth (with caveat)| Rest supports immune system, but won’t outright prevent illness (30:19) | | Hot tea with honey/lemon prevents illness | Myth | Comforting but not protective vs. viruses (30:56–31:14) | | Humidifiers prevent colds/flu | Myth | Can ease symptoms of dryness but not prevent colds/flu (31:30) |

Notable fun exchange:
“I wonder if it’s an Eagles scarf you got, too, Jake.” — Gurung Trivedi (29:19)
“I hope that we can still be friends.” — Dr. Jake Goodman (06:51)

Wellness & Community Takeaways

• Ongoing Vigilance: Cold and flu season runs through April; still time to get the flu shot.
• Leaning on Pharmacists: Pharmacists are a valuable first stop for questions and tailored advice.
• Protect the Vulnerable: Vaccination helps not just you, but high-risk loved ones and the broader community.
• Fact-check Remedies: Not everything you see online or inherited from family is medically valid—talk to experts.
• Open Conversations: Fear and vaccine hesitancy are normal; pharmacists are there to support, educate, and empathize.

Closing Advice:
“We are still in the thick of the flu season. So go out there, talk to your pharmacist. If you haven’t got your flu shot, there’s still time to get it. Protect yourself and protect your community.”
— Gurung Trivedi (25:42)

Next Episode Preview

The next episode will explore gut health and its surprising links to overall wellness.

Further Information

For more information and ongoing trustworthy health advice:

• Visit cvs.com/pharmacy
• Follow CVS on social media

Beyond The Script is a trusted, relatable platform where pharmacists help you find the real answers behind your everyday health questions—with insight, empathy, and a touch of humor.

End of Summary