What medicine should i take for the flu

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.

Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick.

However, starting them later can still be beneficial, especially if the sick person is at higher risk of serious flu complications or is in the hospital with more severe illness. Follow instructions for taking these drugs. Zanamivir is a powder that is inhaled and approved for early treatment of flu in people 7 years and older. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are given twice a day for 5 days. Peramivir is given once intravenously by a health care provider and is approved for early treatment of flu in people 2 years and older.

Baloxavir is a pill given as a single dose by mouth and is approved for early treatment of flu in people 12 years and older. To treat flu, oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir are usually prescribed for 5 days, or one dose of intravenous peramivir or oral Baloxavir for 1 day.

Oseltamivir treatment is given to hospitalized patients, and some patients might be treated for more than 5 days. Top of Page. Side effects vary for each medication.

The most common side effects for oseltamivir are nausea and vomiting. Zanamivir can cause bronchospasm, and peramivir can cause diarrhea. Other less common side effects also have been reported. BMC Public Health. Flu: Overview [Internet]. Rest up. Drink fluids.

Avoid contact with others. Ask your doctor about anti-viral medicines. Consult your doctor. Lower your body temperature. Take Dayquil for non-drowsy relief during the day. Take NyQuil before you go to bed. Opt for Flu Therapy if you prefer medicated hot drinks. It has an active ingredient of acetaminophen for pain and fever relief as well as Dextromethorphan for cough suppressant and phenylephrine for nasal decongestion.

With these hot liquids in your mug, you are ready to conquer the world. If you have a fever of over Fortunately, Genexa Flu Fix can help alleviate your symptoms. This organic chewable tablet can treat your fever as well as a variety of symptoms such as congestion, body aches, sore throat, headaches, and coughs. If you have a busy workday, this OTC medication is non-drowsy, so you can safely take it throughout the day. Customers often rave about the potent effect of Genexa Flu Fix because it can quickly and effectively bring down your fever.

That way, consumers can feel good about making a purchase that can quickly decrease their fever as well as doing a good deed at the same time. Sometimes taking pills can be very scary. Just imagine how some pill form medication cannot be chewed up so you would have to drink water to flush it down.

There is the fear factor that the pill could get stuck between your throat or block your airway. The TheraFlu multisymptom severe cold relief is a powder that can dissolve in hot water. This relaxing drink can reduce the symptoms of headaches, sore throat, body aches, and congestion. This OTC medication comes in both drowsy and non-drowsy form. The daytime medication has green tea and honey lemon flavor, while the nighttime medication has white tea, chamomile, and lemon flavors.

Customers who took the TheraFlu multi-symptom severe cold relief medication says that they were able to breathe and peacefully fall asleep. If both you and your kids are sick, then you would most likely want an over the counter medication that caters to both children and adults. Luckily, we have the best flu medicine for the whole family. This tablet can quickly dissolve in your mouth to alleviate cough, congestion, sore throat, and much more.

The blackberry ingredients are jam-packed with essential vitamins to help boost and support the immune system. Because of its powerful effect, a lot of customers claimed that it does wonders for both adults and children.

In fact, this medication can prevent family members from getting sick together. If you have high blood pressure, you probably know that a lot of the medication can worsen your hypertension. Wash your hands often. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Learn more about how to get your flu shot at Mayo Clinic Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of influenza, and possibly order a test that detects influenza viruses.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Jameson JL, et al. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Accessed July 13, Zachary KC. Treatment of seasonal influenza in adults. Goldman L, et al. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine.