Flu Treatment #: Use Zinc For An Immune System Boost
According to The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , Oral zinc lozenges may reduce the duration of the common cold , when started within 24 hours and taken for a time period of less than 2 weeks. They advise against the use of intranasal zinc. Some clinicians warn, however, that side effects can result from use with several medications. Limit zinc use to one week only, and stop if you get side effects.
Why Should I Buy A
You can tell if you need or want a best cold and flu medicines by looking at your existing inventory. You probably dont need it and should reconsider buying it. If you cant get go of the old one, you could sell it and use the proceeds to buy the new one.This is a fun and easy approach to finish your task.
Final Thoughts
Lets face it, we all want to feel good about our purchases. But there are so many! How can you know which is best? You need not be concerned because Aids Quilt has your back. Our trained staff is here to help you find what works for you. Before making a final decision, you can take advantage of our free consultations. Let us show you how easy shopping for home audio equipment can be when you have an expert on your side!
What Are The Benefits Of Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral treatment works best when started soon after flu illness begins. When treatment is started within two days of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen fever and flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about one day. They also may reduce the risk of complications such as ear infections in children, respiratory complications requiring antibiotics, and hospitalization in adults. For people at higher risk of serious flu complications, early treatment with an antiviral drug can mean having milder illness instead of more severe illness that might require a hospital stay. For adults hospitalized with flu illness, some studies have reported that early antiviral treatment can reduce their risk of death.
You May Like: Boulder Medical Center Flu Shots
Find The Best Cold Medicine Based On Your Symptoms
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat. The bad news is that it takes some time to get over a cold, but the good news is that treatment requires just a quick trip to the pharmacy. Cold medicine like decongestants and cough suppressants can help alleviate symptoms such as a stuffy nose or sore throat. Lets take a look at some of the best cold medicines so youll know what to look for if you or one of your family members gets a cold.
Do The Current Antiviral Drugs Still Work On Omicron
The existing arsenal of medicines against COVID-19 are being researched for their effect against the latest variant omicron, says Dr. Li.The antiviral drug remdesivir appears to still be effective against omicron.
Related: If Youre Fully Vaccinated and Boosted, Heres What You Can Expect Omicron Symptoms to Look Like
Recommended Reading: When To Get Flu Shot During Pregnancy
Best Overall: Allegra Adult Non
-
Provides relief within an hour
-
Non-drowsy unlike other antihistamines
-
Soothes both indoor and outdoor allergies
-
Might not work for everybody
When it comes to treating allergies, there’s one ingredient that is head and shoulders above the rest.
The best allergy medications are antihistamines, says Allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network Dr. Purvi Parikh. If your eyes are starting to itch or your nose is running, the antihistamine in the Allegra Adult 24-Hour Allergy Relief can help make you feel better in as little as one hour. Beyond the pills record-breaking relief, it includes fexofenadine, a special non-drowsy antihistamine ingredient that wont affect your energy levels. All in all, its great to know that this medicine can provide 24 hours of relief without getting in the way of your day.
Skip The Otc Cold Meds For Your Kids
Something else to consider: Over-the-counter cold medications are generally not recommended for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents should only offer cold medicine to children between the ages of four and six if their childs doctor specifically recommends doing so.
For kids, theyre less effective and they can have a number of side effects, says pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Mack, MD, professor and division chief of pediatric critical care at MUSC Childrens Health.
So, if youre a parent, dont feel that you should go stock up at the drugstore on cold meds for your sniffly, sneezy toddler. Try putting a humidifier in their room at night to keep the air moist, which can help with some of that nasal congestion.
Read Also: Toddler Flu Shot Side Effects
What Should I Take For Fever And Aches
A fever can be a good thing. It kick-starts your immune system and helps your body fight off an infection by torching bacteria and viruses.
Doctors no longer suggest you try to lower it, except for people who are very young or old, and those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease. If you’re uncomfortable, though, it’s fine to take a fever-reducer medication.
Young people, including those in their early 20s, should avoid aspirin. Medicines with acetaminophen and ibuprofen are best. Each type has its own set of risks, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which is best for you.
Be careful not to overdose. These drugs are often mixed in with cough and cold and flu remedies. Read the labels, and don’t take a separate pain remedy if your cough or cold medicine includes one. If youâre not sure whatâs in it, talk to your pharmacist before you take it.
Should I Take A Decongestant Or An Antihistamine
This depends on your symptoms. If you have nasal or sinus congestion, then a can help. If you have drainage — either a runny nose or postnasal drip or itchy, watery eyes — then an antihistamine could work.
Over-the-counter antihistamines could make you drowsy. might make you hyper or keep you awake. Antihistamines can thicken mucus, which can be a problem for people with asthma.
Both of these medications may mix poorly with other drugs, like those that treat heart disease, and they may worsen some conditions, like high blood pressure. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which one is best for you.
Read Also: Medicine For Flu With High Blood Pressure
What Else Can I Do To Prevent Getting Colds And The Flu
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcoholic hand wipes. Cold and flu viruses are spread by touching your nose or mouth after touching an infected person, breathing in the air of an infected person’s sneeze or cough, or touching objects that have come in contact with the virus and then touching your nose.
Other prevention tips are to eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of liquids , and avoid close contact with people who have colds. Also, get an annual flu vaccine.
Flu Treatment #: Maintain A Diet Rich In Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
For many people, flu knocks out their appetite. If youre healthy, youll not need to worry about this for a couple of days. When you are up to eating, its tempting to reach for comfort foods like cookies and ice cream, but youre better off opting for a healthy green salad, a superfood smoothie, or some good old homemade vegetable or chicken soup.
Also Check: Flu Shots In Houston Texas
Flu Shot And Antiviral Drugs
Newspapers and TV stations around the U.S. have reported that some consumers are having difficulty finding the flu vaccine and prescription antiviral medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir . These drugs can reduce flu symptoms somewhat and may shorten the course of the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there have been spot shortages of the vaccine and the antivirals, particularly of generic oseltamivir in capsule and powder form .
If you havent had the vaccine yet and your doctor’s office doesn’t have it, check the CDCs Flu Vaccine Finder or the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to see where its available in your area. Confirm by phone before you go and be aware, says the CDC, that you may not have a choice about which flu shot you get.
If you have just come down with the flu and your doctor thinks you’re a candidate for an antiviralmost otherwise healthy people generally are notit may take a bit of detective work to find it, says Michael Hochman, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Gehr Center for Health Systems Science at the Keck School of Medicine at USC in Los Angeles.
If cost is a concern, know that many health insurers are currently covering Tamiflu as a generic or at the lowest cost “tier” for brand-name drugs. You can also check websites such as GoodRx, where you can download a coupon that will let you purchase oseltamivir at Walmart for just under $52.
Is The Flu Caused By Bacteria
No, the flu is caused by viruses, not bacteria.
Thinking that the flu is caused by bacteria is a common myth, and some people even call any symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea the stomach flu. These symptoms are sometimes related to the flu, but they are not the main symptoms. Bacteria is a common cause of stomach symptoms.
The flu is a respiratory disease, meaning that it stays in your airways. The flu virus does not move to parts of your body other than the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs.
Some respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, strep throat, and whooping cough are caused by bacteria. Since the flu is not caused by bacteria, it is not treated with antibiotics like other infections. The primary flu medicine that might be prescribed by your healthcare provider is an antiviral a type of medication that fights viruses.
Recommended Reading: Is The Flu Shot Every Year
Combination Cough And Cold Medicines
Cough and cold medicines are often used for symptom relief however its important to know there is not enough evidence showing they work well, particularly in children.
Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 6. You should ask a doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner for advice before giving cough and cold medicines to children aged 6 to 11 years.
Cough and cold medicines often contain paracetamol, so it is important to check the label to avoid doubling up and taking other medicines that also contain paracetamol.
Why Trust Verywell Family
As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.
Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey
Also Check: Medicare Part B Cover Flu Shot
How To Avoid Spreading The Flu
Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to other people in the first 5 to 6 days of getting flu.
Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. They can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
To reduce the risk of spreading flu:
- wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as quickly as possible
- try to avoid all unnecessary contact with others
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands as this helps spreads the flu virus
- clean surfaces and items inside the house regularly
When Should Antiviral Drugs Be Taken For Treatment
Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be beneficial, especially if the sick person is at higher risk of serious flu complications or is in the hospital with more severe illness. Follow instructions for taking these drugs.
Don’t Miss: How Can I Get The Flu
What Our Experts Say
When it comes to Zyrtec, Dr. Parikh emphasizes the only thing to avoid is anything with a decongestant. I would avoid decongestants as they can cause rebound symptoms, long term side effects, and are addictive. Examples of decongestants are any allergy med that includes D for example, Zyrtec D has a decongestant and plain Zyrtec doesnt and is okay to use long-term.
How To Make Sense Of Otc Cold And Cough Medications
Unsure about the hundreds of cold and flu preparations on the drugstore shelves? You’re not alone. Deciding among the OTC remedies for cold, flu, or allergy symptoms can be intimidating, and a basic understanding of the types of drugs included in these medications can help you make an informed choice.
Millions of people use over-the-counter products to relieve symptoms of cold, flu, and allergy, including nasal stuffiness and congestion, sneezing, runny noses, sore throat, and cough. The common causes of these symptoms include the viruses that cause the common cold, influenza virus, allergic rhinitis , and sinus infections . Viral infections can also cause headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes fever. Hay fever symptoms can also include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, and watery eyes.
To benefit from OTC products for cold, flu, and allergy, it is important to understand the condition causing the symptoms, the predominant symptom one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredient in the product. Some OTC products contain a single active ingredient medication to relieve one symptom. Many others contain a combination of two, three, and even four active ingredient medications to treat several symptoms at once. Selecting the right product can be difficult at times.
Here we have categorized products for cold/flu/allergy according to the predominant symptoms they relieve:
You May Like: Should Flu Shots Be Mandatory
What Is The Best Cold And Flu Medicines
Sorry if youre perplexed. I know its not an easy choice! But its one of the most crucial choices youll ever make. If youre still unsure which type of best cold and flu medicines is best for you, I recommend comparing the characteristics and functionalities of the best cold and flu medicines listed above. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
What Is The Best Cold Medicine To Use
The best cold medicine to use will vary depending on the symptoms someone has. For example, someone who has a cold and cough may need to take a cough suppressant, whereas someone with a cold and stuffy nose might need to take a decongestant. Taking a decongestant when you dont have a stuffy nose probably isnt going to help you if youre searching for relief from a sore throat.
Finding the best cold medicine depends on which cold symptoms you want the most relief fromfind a medication that treats those symptoms. Some treatments even provide multi-symptom relief and would say so on the label.
If youre still unsure about which cold medicine to choose, you can always ask your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist, for advice. Its also a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist if taking cold medicine will interfere with your prescription medications, as drug-drug interactions can cause unwanted side effects.
You May Like: Can You Have The Flu And No Fever
Harney & Sons Organic Peppermint Tea
Helps with: Sore throat, cough
If your mom ever served you warm tea with honey when you were sick, she was on the right track. Austin-based, Sarah Talbot, a registered nurse and physician’s assistant with FetchMD, has been helping to treat COVID-19 patients through telemedicine. She told Insider that warm tea with honey, as well as throat lozenges, can help to soothe a sore throat or cough.
An easy, at-home approach is to combine lemon juice and honey in hot water. But if you want more flavor, try Harney & Sons Organic Peppermint Tea with honey stirred in.
While there isn’t any evidence that honey can help fight the COVID-19 virus, research does show honey boosts healing in general through antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, among others, reports a 2018 study in Molecules. Research also shows it’s potentially more effective at reducing coughing in children than a lot of other remedies, including OTC cough suppressants.
As for the tea, scientists have found peppermint teas and oils may contain illness-fighting effects. The menthol in the plant, among others, has excellent antibacterial properties, according to a 2018 study in the Journal of Oleo Science. Other herbs, oils, and teas are also being studied, with some mixed results, including elderberry, chamomile, and more.
Other peppermint teas work but we like Harney & Sons as the tea is made from 100% Oregon-grown peppermint leaves.
You’re Hit With Flu Virus Symptoms: What To Do Keep Our List Of 7 Flu Treatments Handyand Get Back On Your Feet Asap
Ughit arrives every year. Prevention, of course, is the goal, but if we fall prey to influenza, we need to know the most effective, reliable flu treatments to get us back on our feet.
Influenzabetter known as the flu, is a nasty viral infection that strikes millions every year, both in the winter and spring. If you have full-blown flu, you will likely feel very unwell and may be confined to bed for a day or three. And you may be lookinglike all of usfor the best flu treatments.
This flu season is shaping up to be bad one, if Australia is anything to go by. Flu is highly contagious and can spread through a workplace or school like wildfire. Though debilitating, flue is usually self-limiting, with most people recovering within a week or so. It is the young, the elderly, and the chronically sick who need to worry most about flu, for it can cause them serious complicationsand can even be fatal.
Don’t Miss: When Is Flu Season In Arkansas