 The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection caused by three types of influenza viruses, A, B or C. Type C does not cause epidemics. Flu symptoms can be severe, and may include fever, headache, muscle pains, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, weakness, and fatigue. Flu outbreaks occur most often during the winter months, and symptoms usually last for about a week. The flu can lead to dangerous complications--such as bronchitis or pneumonia--especially in the elderly or those with serious preexisting illnesses. Over-the-counter medications are the most common treatment for the flu. They don’t kill the virus, but can help ease flu symptoms. You can choose from a large array of products. Many products have multiple ingredients to treat multiple symptoms. These so-called "shotgun remedies" are fine if you have all of the symptoms listed on the product. But if you have only one or two, these products provide unnecessary medications that won’t help you and may increase the risk of side effects or drug interactions. Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol), >aspirin, ibuprofen (>Advil, >Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), or naproxen (>Aleve) can be used to reduce fever, sore throat, and aches and pains. Do not use aspirin in children or teens who might have the flu because it could cause serious problems or even death. Cough drops >Cough drops are also useful for sore throats. For a dry, hacking cough, try a cough suppressant that contains dextromethorphan. Such as>Robitussin DM and Benylin. To relieve runny nose, sneezing, and watery and itchy eyes, try an antihistamine such as Benadryl or >Chlor-Trimeton. Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 14, 2000, Vol. 49 (RR-03).
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Flu Information. http://www.fda.gov. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Last accessed 11/14/2006.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
This response prepared 7/2/2001.
This information updated 11/14/2006.
- >ketoprofen
- >naproxen
- >Benadryl
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