Best Over The Counter Medicine For Flu Like Symptoms
It's that time of year again when flu season hits and many of us are left feeling under the weather. While there are prescription medications available to treat the flu, many people opt for over-the-counter (OTC) remedies to help relieve their symptoms. In this article, we'll explore the best OTC medicine for flu-like symptoms.
What are flu-like symptoms?
Before we dive into the best OTC medicine for flu-like symptoms, let's first understand what flu-like symptoms are. Flu-like symptoms are a group of symptoms that mimic the flu, but may not necessarily be caused by the flu virus. Common flu-like symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
Best OTC Medicine for Flu-like Symptoms
Now that we have a better understanding of what flu-like symptoms are, let's take a look at the best OTC medicine for flu-like symptoms:
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is often used to treat flu-like symptoms. It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause pain and fever. Acetaminophen is generally considered safe, but it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily dose.
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), are also pain relievers and fever reducers that can be used to treat flu-like symptoms. They work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Like acetaminophen, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily dose.
3. Decongestants
Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine, can be used to relieve nasal congestion caused by flu-like symptoms. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps to reduce swelling and congestion. Decongestants can have side effects such as increased heart rate, so it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not use them for more than a few days.
4. Cough suppressants
Cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) and codeine, can be used to relieve coughing caused by flu-like symptoms. They work by blocking the cough reflex in the brain. Cough suppressants can have side effects such as drowsiness, so it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not use them for more than a few days.
5. Antihistamines
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin), can be used to relieve symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing caused by flu-like symptoms. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is a chemical produced by the body in response to allergies or inflammation. Antihistamines can have side effects such as drowsiness, so it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not use them for more than a few days.
Conclusion
When it comes to treating flu-like symptoms, there are a variety of over-the-counter remedies available. Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, decongestants, cough suppressants, and antihistamines are all effective at relieving different symptoms. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily dose of any medication. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.