Wondering what will work for you? Or What is the best treatment for influenza? Or whether or not can you manage flu on your own? All these questions need clear answers so that you can alleviate symptoms like fever, aches, cough, and flu symptoms.
Before moving on to the treatment strategies, let’s find out a bit about the symptoms of influenza. For instance, medium-grade fever, cough, runny nose, loss of appetite, tensed muscles, and fatigue.
The treatment for alleviating flu usually depends on the symptoms that you have. No two symptoms can have similar medication therapy. So, thinking that you can take any OTC medication when contacted with flu is like getting pasta when asked for noodles. No match at all.
Different types of medications are available that are suitable for your flu symptoms. For example, if you are suffering from congestion, a decongestant will help. That will open your nasal passages. However, if you have an issue of runny nose, then using antihistamine medications will help to relieve symptoms significantly. OTC drugs have issues of like drowsiness or making you hyper. Thus, make sure you know what you are taking or else it will start affecting your life overall.
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If you are looking for instant relief, you can choose decongestant sprays. But, stop using one after around three days to avoid reviving the condition all over again. Some doctors suggest a saline spray that helps to clear out thick mucus in the nasal passages. You can use it for an extended period without falling into any side effects.
An occasional cough helps to clear out occasional phlegm. But, if your cough is persistent, then it is important that you start taking some cough medicine in combination with decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, cough suppressants.
Doctors usually suggest not to go for aspirin if you are under the age of 19. So, you can use acetaminophen or medicines like ibuprofen, or naproxen. But, consult your primary practitioner before taking any medications. So that you don’t overdose on such medications.
Antiviral medications are helpful in decreasing the severity of flu symptoms. In some cases, they can act as medications that are helpful in decreasing the flu symptoms. Some of the commonly used medications include Xofluza, Tamiflu, or Relenza.
Make sure the first dose is taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Talk to a doctor if you come under the following categories.
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Antibiotics are not helpful at all in alleviating flu symptoms. Simply because it is a viral infection. And antibiotics are known to reduce bacterial infections. So, it will be no good to consistently depending on any type of antibiotics.
Understanding your symptoms first and then going for any OTC medication will help you get over with this issue quite quickly. But, if you are not aware of the best treatment for influenza, contacting a doctor will help you in the long term.