What To Do For The Flu?

Confused about what to do for the flu? Can’t decide which remedy or treatment to follow for flu? Have no fear, as we will guide you towards what needs to be done for the flu.

Deciding on the treatment for flu depends on the symptoms of flu. If you are suffering from nasal congestion and stuffiness, which is one of the common symptoms of flu, then decongestant medications helps in relieving them. Decongestants are available in nasal spray and oral forms. Decongestants work by reducing the swelling in the nasal passageways.

If you are suffering from postnasal drip, runny nose, or watery and itchy eyes, then antihistamine medications help in managing these flu symptoms. These medicines act by blocking the histamine effect, which leads to relief in the annoying flu symptoms, such as itching, sneezing and nasal discharge.

Point to note here is that over-the-counter antihistamine medications tend to cause drowsiness; and decongestant medications tend to keep people awake.

Decongestant medications can increase the heart rate and blood pressure; however, as long as your blood pressure is under control, using a decongestant medication should not cause any problem; however, it is important to monitor the blood pressure when taking decongestant medications.

For immediate relief from congested and swollen nasal passages, an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray can be used; however, the use should not be prolonged for more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion.

Alternative, a saline nasal spray can be used in place of a medicated spray and a saline nasal spray also helps in loosening the thick mucus and can be used for as long as needed without any side effects.

Commonly used medicines for treating the fever and body pains of flu are acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Each medication carries different risks and your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to tell you which medication is right for your flu. Children should never be given aspirin.

Sore throat can be relieved by using salt water gargles. Other than this, over-the-counter medicated lozenges and pain relievers also helps in soothing the sore throat occurring as a result of the flu.

Coughing helps in clearing the lungs of excess phlegm and pollutants. However, a persistent cough needs treatment. There are many cough medications comprising of combination of medicines, such as antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, analgesics/antipyretics and expectorants. Your doctor will best guide you in the right combination of medicine for your flu cough.

Antiviral flu medicines are beneficial in decreasing the duration and severity of the flu symptoms, if these are taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms. Antiviral medicines also help in preventing flu in individuals who have been exposed to the flu.

As flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not help in treatment of the flu. If you are suffering from a secondary bacterial infection, then antibiotics will help; otherwise taking unnecessary antibiotics only increase the risk of getting other infections, which are resistant to antibiotic treatment.

It is imperative to seek immediate medical treatment if you are suffering from the following flu symptoms:

• A high fever.
• Pain in the ear.
• Drainage from the ears.
• Pain in the forehead or face with drainage of green or yellow mucus.
• Wheezing.
• Persistent sore throat, hoarseness or a cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Persistent symptoms.
• Vomiting.

Serious symptoms of flu consist of difficulty in breathing, chest pain, confusion, seizure, extreme fussiness in a baby, fainting and difficulty in waking.

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Also Read:

• Swine Flu or Swine Influenza (H1N1 Virus): Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment, Risk Factors
• Stomach Flu: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Home Remedies, Diet
• Avian Flu: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
• How Long Does Stomach Flu Last & is it Contagious?
• Is Stomach Flu Contagious & What are the Natural Remedies to Get Rid of it?