Best Over The Counter Medicine For The Flu
Flu season is upon us once again, and it's important to be prepared. While getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu, it's not 100% effective. If you do end up getting the flu, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can help relieve your symptoms. In this article, we'll discuss the best OTC medicine for the flu.
What is the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases, it can be deadly. Symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
The flu spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can also be spread by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Best OTC medicine for the flu
When it comes to treating the flu, there are several OTC medicines that can help relieve your symptoms. However, it's important to remember that these medicines only treat the symptoms, not the underlying virus.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It can help relieve the fever, headache, and muscle aches that often accompany the flu. It's important to follow the recommended dosage, as taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Ibuprofen, also known as Advil or Motrin, is another pain reliever and fever reducer. It works by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help relieve your flu symptoms. Like acetaminophen, it's important to follow the recommended dosage.
Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestants, such as Sudafed or Afrin, can help relieve a stuffy or runny nose. They work by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which can help reduce congestion. However, these medicines should not be used for more than a few days, as they can cause rebound congestion if used for too long.
Cough suppressants
Cough suppressants, such as Delsym or Robitussin, can help relieve a cough. They work by suppressing the cough reflex in your brain. However, if your cough is productive (meaning you're coughing up mucus), it's best to let it run its course, as coughing helps clear the mucus from your lungs.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin, can help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. They work by blocking the production of histamine, which is a chemical that your body releases in response to an allergen or virus. However, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it's important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking them.
Conclusion
While these OTC medicines can help relieve your flu symptoms, it's important to remember that they only treat the symptoms, not the underlying virus. If you have the flu, it's important to stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus to others. Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and take these medicines as directed to help relieve your symptoms.