Flu Fighters: A Medication Guide for Rapid Relief and Recovery

The Flu or influenza, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The flu can also lead to complications such as worsening of chronic conditions. The flu is contagious and can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year before the flu season starts.

 

However, if you do get sick with the flu, there are some medications that can help you alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. These medications include over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription antivirals, and symptom relief products. Here is a brief overview of each type of medication and how they work.

 

Over-the-counter drugs

OTC drugs are medicines that you can buy without a prescription from a doctor. They are usually safe and effective when used as directed. Some common OTC drugs that can help you with flu symptoms are:

- Analgesics: These are pain relievers that can also reduce fever. Examples are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin. They can help you with headache, body aches, and sore throat. However, be careful not to exceed the recommended dose, as they can cause allergic reactions. Also, avoid giving aspirin to teenagers, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

- Decongestants: These are drugs that can shrink the swollen blood vessels in your nose and sinuses and relieve nasal congestion and pressure. Examples are pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). They can be taken as nasal sprays. However, be aware that they can cause side effects such as anxiety. They can also worsen some medical conditions. Therefore, check with your pharmacist before using them, especially if you have glaucoma.

- Antihistamines: These are drugs that can block the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions and inflammation. Examples are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec). They can help you with runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. However, they can also cause side effects such as urinary retention. They can also worsen some medical conditions. Therefore, check with your pharmacist before using them, especially if you have prostate problems.

 

Prescription antivirals

Prescription antivirals are medicines that can fight the flu virus and shorten the duration and severity of your illness. They can also reduce the risk of complications and hospitalization. However, they are not a substitute for the flu vaccine, and they are not effective against other types of viruses that cause respiratory infections. Some common prescription antivirals that can help you with the flu are:

- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): This is an oral drug that can inhibit the enzyme that the flu virus uses to spread in your body. It can be used to prevent the flu in people who are 2 weeks of age and older. It can reduce the duration of your symptoms by about one day, if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. It can also prevent the flu in people who have been exposed to someone who has the flu, if taken within 48 hours of exposure. The usual dose is one capsule once a day for 10 days for prevention. However, it can cause side effects such as psychiatric symptoms. It can also worsen some medical conditions. Therefore, check with your pharmacist before using it, especially if you have a history of mental illness.

- Zanamivir (Relenza): This is an inhaled drug that can also inhibit the enzyme that the flu virus uses to spread in your body. It can be used to prevent the flu in people who are 7 years of age and older. It can reduce the duration of your symptoms by about one day, if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. It can also prevent the flu in people who have been exposed to someone who has the flu, if taken within 36 hours of exposure. The usual dose is two inhalations once a day for 10 days for prevention. However, it can cause side effects such as nausea. It can worsen some medical conditions. Therefore, check with your pharmacist before using it, especially if you have lung problems.

 

Symptom relief products

Symptom relief products are products that can help you cope with the discomfort and inconvenience of your flu symptoms. They are not intended to prevent complications, but they can make you feel better and improve your quality of life. Some common symptom relief products that can help you with the flu are:

- Cough suppressants: These are products that can reduce the urge to cough and soothe your throat. Examples are dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym) and codeine. They can be taken as drops. However, be careful not to exceed the recommended dose, as they can cause side effects such as addiction. Also, avoid giving cough suppressants to children under 4 years of age, as they can cause death.

- Expectorants: These are products that can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it easier to cough it up. Examples are guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) and saline (salt water). They can be taken as nebulizers. However, be careful not to exceed the recommended dose, as they can cause side effects such as headache. Also, avoid giving expectorants to children under 4 years of age, as they can cause death.

- Throat lozenges: These are products that can moisten and numb your throat and reduce the pain and irritation caused by sore throat. Example is zinc. They can be taken as sprays. However, be careful not to exceed the recommended dose, as they can cause side effects such as allergic reactions. Also, avoid giving throat lozenges to children under 4 years of age, as they can cause death.

- Vaporizers: These are devices that can add moisture to the air and help you breathe easier and reduce the dryness and irritation of your nose, throat, and lungs. They can be used with added ingredients such as camphor. However, be careful to clean and maintain them properly, as they can mold and cause allergies. Also, avoid using them with steam, as they can cause scalds.

 

The flu is a common and unpleasant illness that can affect anyone. However, there are some medications that can help you alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. These medications include over-the-counter drugs, prescription antivirals, and symptom relief products. However, these medications are not a substitute for the flu vaccine, which is the best way to prevent the flu and its complications. Therefore, make sure to get vaccinated every year before the flu season starts, and consult your pharmacist before using any medication for the flu. Stay healthy and take care!