Throat Lozenges And Sprays
Sore throat products are available as lozenges, sprays or gargles. Some contain anaesthetics and may provide temporary relief from sore throat. Most of them can be used every 2 to 3 hours. Some lozenges have a lot of sugar in them and may not be suitable for people with diabetes. Read more about sore throat.
Benylin Cold & Flu Max Strength Capsules
If you’re flu is at its maximum, you’ll need a maximum strength remedy to help bring you back to normal.
Benylin capsules contain a blend of paracetamol, caffeine and phenylephrine. Each ingredient carefully works together to relieve you of the worst offending symptoms eg. fever, blocked/runny noses and headaches.
As the capsules contain a dose of caffeine, they won’t make you feel drowsy, but instead wil provide you with the perk you need to get things done.
Price: £3.09, Lloyds Pharmacy – buy here now
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.
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What Works What Doesnt And What May Actually Be Dangerous
There are a lot of cold and flu meds on the market. Some work pretty well others, not so much. And most have side effects, even when taken short-term. Thats why its usually a good bet to start with home remedies, which often provide relief and tend to be safer than drugs. And it’s almost never a good idea to ask your doctor for antibiotics: those drugs don’t work against the cold or flu.
Note that most drugs listed below are also available as lower-cost generic or store brands. The listed drugs are examples and are often multisymptom products that contain several active ingredients.)
Is It Safe To Take A Decongestant If I Have High Blood Pressure
This type of medicine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Pseudoephedrine is the main decongestant taken by mouth that’s available. In general, if your blood pressure is well controlled with medications, then a decongestant shouldn’t be a problem as long as you closely watch your BP. This may not be true with certain types of blood pressure drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist about what may be best for you.
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How Are Flu Symptoms Treated & Managed
If youre otherwise healthy, there should be no need to visit your GP. As with a cold, the best way to recover is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. It may help to take cold relief remedies for the cold-like symptoms you have with flu.
You can take over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol to decrease a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary. Ask your pharmacist for more information about medicines for flu relief.
For a faster recovery , its best to stay home from work or school until your symptoms improve. For most people, this takes at least a week.
Who Is Most At Risk From Cold And Flu Symptoms
A bout of cold or flu is unpleasant for anyone, but some groups are more at risk of complications .
These groups include the elderly, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems and those with long-term medical conditions. If you’re in one of these groups, you should seek your GP’s advice you’re worried about cold or flu symptoms.
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To Relieve A Sore Throat Fever Headache Or Muscle Aches
Examples: Motrin Tablets Advil Caplets Aspirin Original Strength Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets
How they work: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which include ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid , work by preventing the formation of prostaglandins, the chemicals in the body that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol, behaves slightly differently it targets the part of the brain that perceives pain and controls body temperature. Both types are equally effective, says Kalyn, so its just a matter of balancing the benefits versus the risks.
NSAIDs will reduce symptoms for six to eight hours compared to four to six for acetaminophen, so NSAIDs can be more beneficial if you need help sleeping through the night.
Need to know: Follow package directions for dosing. The most common adverse effect with NSAIDs is stomach discomfort, so take them with food, says Kalyn. Avoid NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure, a heart, liver or kidney condition, or stomach issues such as heartburn. NSAIDs can increase the risk of ulcers, internal bleeding and damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Aspirin should not be taken by those on blood thinners and has been linked to Reyes syndrome, so it should not be given to people age 18 and under. Avoid Tylenol if you have liver or kidney disease.
Try: Motrin Liquid Gels, $20, well.ca
Common Cold And Flu Medicine Ingredients
Cold and flu medicines come in all shapes and sizes, with many different ingredients.
When youre in the over-the-counter medications aisle looking for cold and flu relief, you generally reach for a product because of the symptoms it treats. But when you only have a minute, you may not have time to really understand the list of ingredients in that product. Each ingredient treats a specific symptom so its important to understand what they are and what they do. Using various Theraflu products, lets examine some of the main symptom relieving ingredients youll find in over-the-counter cold and flu medication.
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How To Use Cough Medicine Safely
Show Sources
Norman H. Edelman, MD, chief medical officer, American Lung Association professor of medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, N.Y.
Donald R. Rollins, MD, associate professor, pulmonary division, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo.
American Academy of Pediatrics: “Withdrawal of Cold Medicines: Addressing Parent Concerns.”
FamilyDoctor.org: “Cough Medicine: Understanding Your OTC Options.”
Schroeder, K. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, October 2004.
Bosler, D. Chest, January 2006.
Medline Plus: “Guaifenesin.”
Best Charcoal: Charcocaps Activated Charcoal Detox & Digestive Relief
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Safe for long-term and daily use
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Not irritating for stomach
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May absorb other medications
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Will absorb a small amount of foods nutrients
Some people swear by activated charcoal as a natural supplement to alleviate their gas, bloating and discomfort. Commonly used in emergency medicine to help treat drug overdoses, activated charcoal traps toxins and prevents absorption. Research on activated charcoal for gas relief is limited, but it appears to be a safe and effective short-term solution for gas relief.
The CharcoCaps formula is made of 100% natural activated charcoal and free of yeast, corn, soy, gluten, milk, salt, sugar, starch, and preservatives, so it is safe for people with all sorts of dietary preferences. If you use activated charcoal frequently, be aware that common side effects can include tongue discoloration, black stools, and constipation.
Active Ingredients: Activated charcoal | Dose: 2 capsules with water, preferably before meals | Uses: Binds to unwanted gas and absorbs it for gas relief
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What Ingredients Should I Look For In Otc Migraine Medications
Pain is the main symptom of a migraine. You might also feel nauseous during migraines or notice changes in your vision, like seeing blind spots or flickering lights. For a mild, moderate, or even a severe migraine, there are several ingredients in OTC migraine products that can offer you sweet relief.
What Does The Research Say
But do these cough medications really work? According to a 2014 review, the jurys still out on the OTC products.
The review included 29 studies looking at antitussives, expectorants, antihistamines, and others with less than half of them showing a benefit for acute cough. Whats more, the other studies showed that the medications werent any more effective than placebo .
The review concluded that theres no evidence for or against the effectiveness of these medications for an acute cough.
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Which Migraine Medications Are Available Over The Counter
First, it helps to know what types of migraine medications are available over the counter and which ones youll need a prescription for.
OTC migraine medications include:
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Ergot alkaloids, like ergotamine tartrate
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Serotonin 1F receptor agonists like Reyvow
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CGRP antagonists like Ubrelvy
The medications listed above are used to treat migraines while youre having one. There are other prescription medications that you can take to help prevent migraines from occurring.
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.
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Can Children Take Antiviral Drugs
Yes, though this varies by medication. Oseltamivir is recommended by CDC for treatment of flu in children beginning from birth and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends oseltamivir for treatment of flu in children 2 weeks old or older. Zanamivir is approved for early treatment of flu in people 7 years and older, though it is not recommended for use in children with underlying respiratory disease, including asthma and other chronic lung diseases. Peramivir is recommended for early treatment in people 2 years and older. Baloxavir is approved for early treatment of flu in people 12 years and older.
If your childs health care provider prescribes oseltamivir capsules for your child and your child cannot swallow capsules, the prescribed capsules may be opened, mixed with a thick sweetened liquid, and given that way. Learn more here.
If Your Symptoms Keep You Up At Night
Youve probably noticed that a lot of cold and flu meds have nighttime or PM versions in the drugstore aisle. These can help you sleep better if your symptoms are preventing you from getting quality sleep, but note that they may make you feel overly groggy in the morning. As with all of the above remedies, dont take more than the recommended dosage.
Ultimately, the common cold can be a nuisance every year, but chances are you can find something to alleviate your symptoms. Always talk to your doctor if you suspect you might be dealing with something more serious, and dont forget to get your flu shot.
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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.
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.
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Ibuprofen For Pain And Fever
Ibuprofen can be given for pain and symptoms of fever in adults and children of 3 months and over, according to their weight. 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. Avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma, unless advised by your doctor.
Ways To Treat Flu Symptoms And Feel Better
If youâre searching the web for flu treatment, you probably arenât feeling too well right about now. Hereâs the bad news: thereâs no cure for it and it usually lasts for one to two weeks. And just because you have the flu doesnât mean you wonât get it again, since there are many different strains of the flu virus. The good news? Just because there is no cure does not mean there is no way to feel better when you have the flu. There are several over-the-counter medicines available to you to help you combat the symptoms you feel while you are sick with the flu. And some medicines treat multiple symptoms in a single product.
Hereâs 10 ways to treat flu symptoms at home so you can get relief while your body fights the virus.
When you first come down with the flu, rest is what will help give your body the energy it needs to fight the flu virus and flu symptoms, which is why rest is one of the go-to recommendations for people suffering from the flu.1
Stay at home and rest, especially during the first 24 hours after becoming ill.
Consuming enough fluids is another regularly recommended practice for people who have the flu.1 Fever, a common flu symptom, is associated with dehydration, so it is important to get adequate amounts of water or other fluids to ensure that you stay hydrated while you have the flu.2
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How Is The Flu Virus Spread
The flu virus is spread by respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, talking, or touching. Experts say that the flu can be spread from person to person up to 6 feet away.
If you have the flu, you can spread it during the time when youre contagious, which starts 1 day before symptoms and lasts for 5 to 7 days after starting to feel sick. This means that you can spread the flu virus even before you are sick and also during the illness.
The best way to prevent the flu and lower the chance of having serious symptoms is to get the flu vaccine every year.
Are There Side Effects
OTC anti-diarrheal medicine doesnât usually cause problems. But like other drugs, thereâs always a chance you could have unwanted side effects. Some are mild, while others are more serious. Check with your doctor if you get symptoms like:
Bismuth subsalicylate can make your tongue or poop dark. These changes typically go away once you quit using the drug. Very high doses of loperamide can cause serious heart problems or even death.
You may have more side effects if you take other drugs at the same time. Some medicine may not work as well if you take them with OTC anti-diarrheal drugs. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
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Best Natural: Les Labs Sinus & Seasonal Sinus Relief & Nasal Health Supplement
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Added quercetin promotes immune boost
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A bit more expensive
The LES Labs Sinus & Seasonal Supplements are ready to keep your nasal health in tip top shape. It includes all-natural, non-drowsy ingredients like Nettle Root, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Butterbur, which combined can help you stay healthy during allergy season. In short, youll never have to let a stuffy nose get you down again.
All Medicines Aren’t The Same
The role of cough medicine is to ease symptoms while your body heals.
As a glance at the drugstore shelves will show you, there are many, many brands of OTC cough medicines. But there are only three basic types:
Expectorants help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. The ingredient guaifenesin is the only expectorant in the U.S., so look for it on the label if you need an expectorant.
Suppressants help cut the number of times you cough. The active ingredient listed is usually dextromethorphan . Other cough suppressants include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol.
Combination cough products have more than one active ingredient. They have both guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Cough medicines may also contain ingredients to help coat and soothe the throat.
Combination products may have medicines to ease other symptoms, that may include for stuffy nose, antihistamines for allergies or a runny nose, or painkillers. Choose a medicine that matches your symptoms.
Cough drops can also help relieve a cough and may ease a sore throat.
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