Though there is no medication that can cure the flu and make it go away faster, there are non-prescription products and home remedies that can make you feel better.
HOME REMEDIES:
- Using a humidifier for stuffy nose.
- Gargling with salt water for sore throat
- Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges for sore throat.
- Getting plenty of rest to help your immune system work properly. - Drinking lots of liquids to help your immune system work properly and keep your body stay hydrated (for example, water, hot tea, and chicken broth). Stay away from alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS:
Decongestants for sinus and nasal congestion to be taken by mouth or sprayed into the nose.
- Look for products containing pseudoephrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline.
- Examples of products that can be taken by mouth include Sudafed, Sudafed PE, Advil Cold and Sinus, and Aleve-D Sinus & Cold.
- Examples of products that can be sprayed into the nose include: Afrin Original Nasal Spray, Mucinex Nasal Spray, and Vicks Vapor Inhaler. Do not use these nasal products for more than a few days because it can cause your nose to become even more congested.
Antihistamines
Please avoid activities that require alertness (such as driving or operating heavy machinery) because these products can cause drowsiness.
- Examples include: Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy, Zyrtec, and Claritin.
Oral pain relievers for sore throats, fever, headaches, and body aches.
- Products include Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and naproxen. Do not give Aspirin to children because it can cause a rare but deadly condition.
Pain relievers are also available in the form of lozenges, dissolving strips, mouthwashes, and sprays.
- Look for products containing benzocaine or dyclonine hydrochloride for anesthetic effects.
If Symptoms get worse or do not improve after 7 days of treatment, you should go in to see your doctor.
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