If you've got the flu, there are a plethora of over-the-counter medicines that can help minimize your symptoms. But before reaching for them, make sure you're fully informed about how these medicines work and any potential side effects. Some of the side effects are negligible, but others can be quite serious.
Types
Flu relief medicines are either a combination of active ingredients that relieve multiple symptoms or single medicines that focus on one symptom at a time. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease the aches and joint pain that often accompany the flu. These are also available combined with decongestants, antihistamines, decongestants and cough relief.
Warning
The Reyes Syndrome Foundation warns that you should never take aspirin or medications that contain salicylate when suffering from the flu. While it isn't clear why, doing so can cause rapid, often fatal, organ damage in both adults and children.
It's also extremely important to be wary of stacking products. That is, if you've already taken a pain reliever and later take a product that combines pain relief and cough relief, for example, you may unintentionally overdose on pain reliever. Keep track of what you've taken (and when) to avoid an unintentional overdose.
Misconceptions
Flu relief medicines do not cure you of the flu. Even if your symptoms are minimized, you still need to rest to fully recover and avoid any potential complications, such as pneumonia. The flu vaccine can help you avoid getting the flu, as experts select certain strains for which they create a vaccine. If a strain is deemed predominant and you get a flu shot, your chances of getting the flu seriously diminish. The flu shot doesn't cover all strains, though it can mitigate the symptoms even if the vaccine doesn't cover the strain that you contract (see Resources).
Identification
Most flu medicines state clearly on the box that they are targeted to flu sufferers. But since there are so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best. And that choice is entirely dependent on your symptoms. In general, though, the Mayo Clinic recommends simply taking a pain reliever (again, no aspirin), resting and increasing your liquids. If you must take further medication, cough relief such as medicines that contain dextromethorphan, a cough suppresant, and guaifenesin, an expectorant, are typically helpful.
Time Frame
The flu typically lasts from seven to 10 days, so it's well worth seeking relief from your symptoms. But the Mayo Clinic notes that you should avoid taking ibuprofen for extended periods as it can cause bleeding in the stomach.
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