How To Treat Early Flu Symptoms
While most people who have the flu have mild illness and dont need to see a doctor, its important to start treating the symptoms as soon as possible. Here are a few ways to start fighting early flu symptoms:
We hope that youve found this information on fighting flu symptoms helpful. Start early, and youll be on your way to recovery in no time.
Paracetamol For Pain And Fever
Paracetamol can be used for adults and children over 1 month for pain and symptoms of fever. Make sure youve got the right strength for your childs age and weight as overdosing can be dangerous.
Read and follow the directions on the label carefully. If you are not sure check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is An Antiviral Drug A Commonly Used Flu Treatment
Antiviral flu drugs are taken to decrease the severity and duration of flu symptoms. In some cases they may be used to prevent flu. They includeà baloxavir marboxil ,à oseltamivir , peramivir , or zanamivir .
Ideally, the first dose should be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Talk to your doctor, if you are at increased risk for complications from the flu. People at high risk include infants, elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, those with weak immune systems. Native American and Alaskan Natives. Most antivirals do have side effects.
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Dont Share Your Food Or Drinks
Sharing food and drink is especially common in households with children, but as tempting as it may be, hold off until you are no longer contagious. When you share a drink, youre exposing the other person to the germs present in your mouth. Although its perfectly safe under normal circumstances, this brief exposure can lead to getting your loved ones sick.
Fortunately, you can easily prevent spreading whats ailing you by keeping your food and drink separate until youre back in good health.
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.
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Can The Doctor Give You Something For The Flu
Because of the prevalence of COVID-19 , doctors are encouraging patients to be even more vigilant about flu-like symptoms this year. This year, COVID-19 throws us all a curveball, Dr. Wilk says. Because influenza and COVID-19 present with nearly identical symptoms, its important for anyone with flu-like symptomsfever, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough, feeling unwell and othersto contact their primary care provider to be tested for the flu and for COVID-19 and not wait it out at home.
Can Colds And The Flu Be Cured With Medications
No medicines can “cure” colds and flu. However, there are many over-the-counter medicines that can ease the discomfort caused by the symptoms of colds and flu. In addition, there are prescription medicines and a vaccine that can treat and prevent the flu.
Note on antibiotics: Colds and the flu are causes by viruses and cannot be cured with antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat and ear, skin and urinary tract infections. Using antibiotics for infections they are not able to treat makes the antibiotics less effective for infections they are supposed to treat . Never take antibiotics to treat colds and flu.
To ease the discomfort from specific cold and flu symptoms, consider using the following types of OTC medicines:
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Treat Aches And Fever
Got fever? Thatâs because your body has turned up the heat to fight off the flu virus.
You may want to treat it if you are uncomfortable or have any of the aches that come with it. with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Ask your doctor which is right for you.
Never give aspirin to anyone younger than 19. Itâs linked to a condition known as Reye’s syndrome, a serious illness that can damage the brain and liver.
What Are The Recommended Antiviral Drugs For Children
At the first sign of flu symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether antiviral drugs might benefit your child. These flu drugs can help a child get better sooner and may prevent serious flu complications.
Antivirals work best when taken during the first two days of illness. The first dose should be taken within 48 hours of when symptoms started.
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An Ounce Of Prevention
Strengthening your immune system is the first step in preventing the cold or flu.
Keeping your immune system healthy is best, advises doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine Tom Ingegno. Visits to your TCM practitioner during late summer and early fall can help build up your immune system with herbs and acupuncture that are specifically aimed at keeping you healthy.
So how do you keep your immune system in tip-top shape?
- Get plenty of rest.
When To Visit A Doctor
Most of those who get the flu can deal with themselves at domestic and regularly do not want to look for a medical doctor.
If youve got the above Flu symptoms and are prone to complications, see your medical doctor proper away. Taking antiviral tablets inside the first forty-eight hours once you first word signs may also lessen the period of your contamination and assist save you more-extreme problems.
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Early Flu Antiviral Treatment Can Shorten Hospital Stays In Children With Flu New Cdc Study Shows
A new CDC studyexternal icon shows that early flu antiviral treatment was associated with significantly shorter hospitalizations in children with laboratory-confirmed flu and higher-risk medical conditions or children with laboratory-confirmed flu in an intensive care unit .
Compared with those not receiving flu antiviral drugs, length of stay was shorter for children who were treated within 2 days of illness onset, with antiviral treatment increasing the probability of hospital discharge by:
- 37% per day for hospitalized children with underlying medical conditions,
- and 46% per day for children in the ICU.
For children with underlying medical conditions, median length of hospital stay was 2 days for those who received early flu antiviral treatment compared to 3 days for those not treated with antivirals.
The study included 608 children hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed flu identified through the U.S. Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network . The children were grouped into two cohorts:
- The first cohort included 309 children with at least one underlying medical condition not admitted to the intensive care unit .
- The second cohort included 299 children admitted to an ICU with and without underlying conditions.
The children were treated almost exclusively with oseltamivir.
There are four U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved flu antiviral drugs that are recommended by CDC for use in children this flu season:
Can I Take Acetaminophen While Pregnant
Overall, acetaminophen is safe to take while pregnant, and it’s the most common pain reliever that most doctors allow pregnant women to take when they experience common aches and pains. If you are allergic to acetaminophen or have liver problems, do not take it. Always ask your doctor if taking acetaminophen is safe for you during your pregnancy. If they say it’s ok to take, always take as little as possible, only when needed, and for as short an amount of time as possible. Taking it daily for long periods of time, usually for a period of about 28 days or longer, may increase the risk of your baby developing mild developmental issues like ADHD. Minor aches and pains like headaches, backache, and muscle pain are normal during pregnancy. Taking acetaminophen is generally safe, as long as your doctor gives you the all clear to do so beforehand.
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Will An Antibiotic Work For The Flu
The short answer is simply this: no. The flu is caused by a virus, Dr. Blad says. Antibiotics are utilized for treating infections caused by bacteria and are not effective for treating the flu.
Dr. Wilkes agrees, and adds that antiviral medicationslike the ones listed abovecan improve symptoms and decrease the severity and duration of influenza.
Immunity Can Account For Some Milder Symptoms
Our bodies and their immune system response are adapting to mutations of the new omicron variant, Campbell and Johnson said.
What’s different about omicron is that it has way more mutations in the spike protein than other variants, Campbell said of the coronaviruss entryway into the cells. You’re going from 10 to 15 mutations in previous variants to over 30 mutations in omicron.
Also, Johnson said, most people in the U.S. already have some degree of partial immunity to SARS-CoV-2 based on vaccination, prior infection, or both. Consequently, symptoms may be modified because of this partial immunity, including lower-symptom severity.
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Is Tamiflu Worth Taking
It can be. Most people do not need medication if they get the flu however, if you are in a high-risk group, are very sick, or are worried about your illness, antiviral medications are worth taking to make the illness milder and shorter and to reduce the risk of complications. And its important to remember that Tamiflu works best if you start taking it within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, which is why seeking early medical attention is so important, Dr. Wilkes says.
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What Treatment Options Are Safe During Pregnancy
According to the Cleveland Clinic, natural remedies like saline nasal drops and warm salt-water gargling are ideal cold and flu treatments during pregnancy.
Vicks VapoRub and cough drops are also considered safe during pregnancy.
Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should check with their healthcare provider before taking any drug. While no medication can be considered 100 percent safe for pregnant women, the Cleveland Clinic lists the following as among those generally considered to be okay:
- Acetaminophen
- Guaifenesin
Note: Do not take the sustained action or multisymptom forms of these drugs.
As for the decongestant pseudoephedrine, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that pregnant women avoid it in the first trimester , while a review published in the journal American Family Physician concluded that women should use it only sparingly later in pregnancy.
For pregnant women with the flu, oseltamivir is the preferred medication because it has the best safety and efficacy record, according to the CDC.
The CDC recommends that pregnant women with a fever take acetominophen and contact their doctors immediately.
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What Are Early Symptoms Of The Flu
The onset of flu symptoms generally happens quickly, which can make it difficult to respond promptly depending on where you are in your day. Some people may experience no early flu symptoms while others experience a combination of early signs. Here are some of the most common early symptoms of the flu.
Acetaminophen Cold And Flu
There is a variety of medicine for cough and cold and stomach flu medicine, but when it comes to getting effective flu symptom relief, Tylenol Flu may be a good choice for your cold and flu-related pain. This over-the-counter medication can help temporarily relieve minor aches and pains, sore throat, fever, congestion, and cough. Check the dosage of the formula you choose to confirm the amount of acetaminophen it contains. This pain-relieving medication can reduce fever and make you feel better faster. The Tylenol Cold + Flu medication also contains ingredients that can help suppress cough, reduce nasal congestion, and help make your coughs more productive.
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Medications For Fever And Aches
Some of the first symptoms you might experience from the flu are a fever, sore throat, and terrible muscle aches. Many people describe the feeling as being hit by a truck. Two OTC medications considered to be first-choice for these symptoms are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. So which one should you have on hand during flu season just in case?
Most healthcare providers would agree that these two medications work equally well for a fever or muscle aches. Some studies show ibuprofen works a little bit better than acetaminophen. But if asked, many providers and pharmacists will tell you to alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen when you have the flu. Separate the medications by about 4 hours from each other to keep the fever and aches at a minimum when they are at their worst.
Side effects of the OTC versions of acetaminophen and ibuprofen are pretty minimal. The most common effect is a little bit of upset stomach or indigestion. If this happens to you, try to take your dose with something to eat, even if its just a light snack.
Just like with any medications, some people should be careful taking these drugs. For more detailed information on each, please visit our pages on acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if youre not sure if they are safe for you to take.
If You Start To Experience These Early Flu Symptoms See A Doctor Right Away:
Not only can professional medical care help you to feel better faster, it can also help to ensure that complications from the flu can be treated immediately if they develop. Serious complications that can develop from the flu include pneumonia, myocarditis , encephalitis , and organ failure. Other less serious but significant complications are sinus infections, ear infections and dehydration.
Early signs of flu include:
- Fever or feeling feverish and having chills
- Cough
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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
Flu Or Food Poisoning
There are many types of viruses, and some can affect the digestive system. People sometimes call this stomach flu. This illness is different from influenza, which is a respiratory disease.
The most common cause of stomach flu is the norovirus, which enters the body through contaminated food or drink. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Food poisoning causes similar symptoms.
Is it a stomach virus or food poisoning? Find out here.
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Should I Still Get A Flu Vaccine
Yes. Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine. While flu vaccine can vary in how well it works, a flu vaccine is best way to help prevent seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications. Everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every year. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense that can be used to treat flu if you get sick.
Whats The Best Medicine For The Flu
This is a tricky question because the answer can change wildly depending on the circumstance. Whats best depends on the clinical situationwhether the patient needs IV or inhaled treatments, Dr. Wilk says. It also depends on the presence of oseltamivir-resistant flu strains in the community. If there isnt a resistant strain, oseltamivir is an excellent choice for most people.
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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.
Why You Need Rest And Fluids
Beyond medications, the standard advice to get enough rest still applies. Being up and around too much will probably impair your ability to fight , Ellis says.
And, yes, be sure to get enough fluids. Not only do you want to fend off dehydration, you also need circulating blood volume to treat infection, says Ellis, who believes a good bowl of chicken soup cant hurt, because fever causes you to lose water as well as salt.
Finally, doctors recommend staying away from herbs such as elderberry and echinacea, because they have not been shown to help fight the flu and may contain contaminants. Vitamin C and zinc have also not been proven to treat the flu.
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