US Managing Common Illness Consumer Report 2024

Understanding how consumers prefer to manage common illnesses is the key to growth in the US OTC industry. Mintel’s US Managing Common Illness Market Report provides key insights and information on the latest and expected consumer trends, as well as information on key market opportunities. Stay ahead of the competition with our comprehensive report, detailed below.

Key Issues Covered in this Report

• Market size and drivers influencing CCFA sales
• Common illnesses experienced
• Approaches to managing common illness
• Behaviors and preferences around CCFA medicine
• ]Frequency and changes of frequency in common illness
• Proactive care strategies for common illness
• Sources of treatment information for common illness
• Interest in innovations around managing common illness

American Consumers & Common Illnesses

Common illness rates are stagnant, yet could be cause for observation. Consumers in 2024 are still feeling the residual effects of the 2020 pandemic. COVID-19 is still influencing relationships people have with recognizing and monitoring common illness symptoms. Incidence of common illness over the past few years has not changed significantly, however, slight peaks show signs of increased attention to symptoms.

US Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies Market Overview

The current CCFA (cold, cough, flu and allergy) landscape is experiencing a significant shift as consumers pay closer attention and are educating themselves about the complexity of immune health. Acknowledging the necessity for robust immune health, there is strong evidence that US adults are integrating self-care and holistic wellness practices into their daily routines that extends beyond the physical sphere.

Purchase Mintel’s full report for a complete overview of US consumers’ approach to managing common illness. Alongside consumer insights, the report provides market dynamics for the US CCFA market. Readers of this report may also be interested in Mintel’s A Year of Innovation in OTC Medications.

Report Scope

This report covers remedies that can be purchased over the counter without a prescription to relieve symptoms of colds, flu, allergies, sore throat, coughs and congestion.

• Cold, flu and sinus remedies include tablets, capsules, liquids, powders and hot drinks for treating cold/flu and/ or nasal and chest congestion. Nasal remedies include nasal strips and aspirators.
• Cough/throat remedies include cough/sore throat drops and cough syrups/sore throat liquid medicine.
• Allergy remedies include tablets, capsules, liquids, powders and nasal sprays.

The market size is not inclusive of all herbal and homeopathic remedies used for treatment of cough, cold, flu and allergy, in part because many natural supplements are not labeled for specific medical conditions. The market size does cover sales of those herbal and homeopathic brands, such as Zicam, that are most likely to be found in mainstream retailers and can be identified as intended for use for the conditions discussed in this report. Sales of herbal and homeopathic medicines are discussed in this report, however.

Expert Analysis from a Health & Wellbeing Specialist

David Hamlette joined Mintel as a health and wellness reports analyst in August 2023. Prior to Mintel, he worked as an associate market research consultant in Chicago, providing qualitative insights for CPG and pharma companies. He graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Psychology, and the University of Chicago with a M.A. in Social Science.

The movement toward holistic health shows that consumers seek solutions that boost the immune system and adapt to personalized maintenance and symptom relief.

David Hamlette
Research Analyst; Health and Wellbeing