Best Over The Counter Flu And Fever Medicine
If you're feeling under the weather, you may be wondering what over-the-counter medicine will help you get better. There are many options available, so it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this article, we'll take a look at the best over-the-counter flu and fever medicine to help you feel better fast.
What is the Flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and chills. The flu can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
What Causes Fever?
Fever is a symptom of many different illnesses, including the flu. It is a sign that your body is fighting an infection. A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Best Over-The-Counter Flu and Fever Medicine
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is available over-the-counter. It is a popular choice for treating the flu and fever because it is effective and has few side effects. Acetaminophen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and fever.
2. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Ibuprofen, also known as Advil or Motrin, is another popular over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and fever. Ibuprofen is generally safe and effective for most people, but it can cause stomach upset in some people.
3. Naproxen (Aleve)
Naproxen, also known as Aleve, is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is available over-the-counter. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and fever. Naproxen is generally safe and effective for most people, but it can cause stomach upset in some people.
4. Aspirin
Aspirin is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is available over-the-counter. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and fever. Aspirin is generally safe and effective for most people, but it should not be used by children under the age of 18 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
5. Combination Medicines
Combination medicines, such as DayQuil and NyQuil, contain a combination of pain relievers, fever reducers, cough suppressants, and decongestants. They are designed to provide relief from multiple symptoms of the flu, including fever, cough, and congestion. Combination medicines can be effective, but they should be used with caution as they can cause side effects.
Conclusion
When you're feeling sick with the flu or a fever, over-the-counter medicine can provide relief from your symptoms. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and combination medicines are all good options for treating the flu and fever. However, it's important to use these medicines as directed and to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. With the right medicine and care, you can feel better fast.