What to Take When You Have the Flu?

The aches, the sniffling, the fever---nobody wants the flu, and when you get it, you want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there's no cure for the flu. It just has to run its course. Nonetheless, there are plenty of home remedies and medications that can safely help you feel better until the bug has gone away.

Non-Medication

• It's important to drink lots of liquids when you get the flu to avoid dehydration. Water and juices are good choices, and flat ginger ale can help ease an upset stomach. Don't drink caffeinated tea or soda, though, as they can actually dehydrate you further.
  Rest can also help you get through the worst of the flu and give your body time to heal. And, yes, warm soup---especially of the chicken variety---can help if you're hungry.

Painkillers

• The fever associated with flu may actually be good for most adults, so long as it's under 102 degrees, as the high temperature spurs the body's immune system to fight off the virus. However, if aches and chills make it impossible for you to rest, then it's time to use painkillers. Traditional over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, ease flu symptoms, even if they don't cure the virus itself. Be sure not to take more than the recommended amount as an overdose could cause damage to your stomach or liver, and don't give aspirin to children or teenagers, as this can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

Antiviral

• There are antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, that can shorten the flu's duration by a day or two, but they can also cause nasty side effects, such as upset stomach and dizziness. Furthemore, overusing antiviral drugs can render the virus drug-resistant. People at high risk of developing serious complications from the flu, such as people over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems, are the best candidates for antiviral drugs.