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
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- Key issues covered in this Report
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Executive Summary
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Market dynamics
- Graph 1: quarterly real GDP growth, 2020-23
- Graph 2: headline CPI, core CPI and shelter CPI, 2021-24
- Graph 3: unemployment rate, 2019-23
- Graph 4: consumer sentiment index, 2021-24
- Graph 5: opinions on financial future, 2024
- Graph 6: wages and CPI, percent change from year ago, 2021-24
- Market drivers
- Graph 7: select common illness experienced in past 12 months, 2024
- Graph 8: medical care services in US city average, 2000-23
- Market size and forecast
- Market segmentation
- Graph 9: segment share of CCFA remedies, 2023
- Graph 10: total retail sales of cold, cough, flu and allergy remedies, by segment, at current prices, 2018-23
- Market share/brand share
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Consumer Insights
- Consumer fast facts
- Common illnesses experienced
- Graph 11: common illness symptoms experienced in past 12 months, trended, 2022-24
- Graph 12: common illness experienced in past 12 months, by parental status and age, 2024
- Approaches to managing common illness
- Graph 13: approaches to managing common illness, 2024
- Graph 14: select approaches to managing common illness, by gender and age, 2024
- Graph 15: select approaches to managing common illness, by Hispanic origin, 2024
- Behaviors and preferences around CCFA medicine
- Graph 16: behaviors around CCFA medication, 2024
- Graph 17: select behaviors around common illness medicine, by age, 2024
- Graph 18: select behaviors around common illness medicine, by parental status, 2024
- Changes of frequency in common illness
- Graph 19: frequency of common illness symptoms in the past 12 months, trended, 2022-24
- Graph 20: change in frequency of common illness experienced compared to 12 months ago, 2024
- Graph 21: frequency of common illness symptoms in the past 12 months, by age, 2024
- Graph 22: frequency of common illness symptoms in the past 12 months, by parental status, 2024
- Graph 23: select frequency of common illness symptoms in the past 12 months, by marital status and gender, 2024
- Proactive care strategies for common illness
- Graph 24: proactive steps to manage common illness, 2024
- Graph 25: select proactive steps for common illness in the past 12 months, by age, 2024
- Sources of treatment information
- Graph 26: sources of information for common illness, 2024
- Graph 27: select sources of information for common illness, by race, 2024
- Graph 28: select sources of information for common illness, by gender and generation, 2024
- Interest in innovations around managing common illness
- Graph 29: interest in innovations in common illness management, 2024
- Graph 30: select interest in innovations in common illness management, by generation, 2024
- Graph 31: select interest in common illness management innovations, by age and parental status, 2024
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innovation and marketing trends
- Launch activity and innovation
- Marketing and advertising
- Opportunities
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Appendix
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