About Over the Counter Flu Treatment

Medications given for flu will only help to relieve the severity of symptoms. No cure for the flu exists; antibiotics will not work against the flu virus. If you begin to take an antiviral medication within two days of getting sick, you can reduce the duration of your illness.

Analgesics

• These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. Children with viral illnesses such as colds and flu should not take aspirin because of a link between this painkiller and Reye's Syndrome. These medications will help to reduce fever and body aches characteristic of flu. Children and adults who come down with the flu will develop symptoms which are more severe than cold symptoms. When someone comes down with flu, symptoms such as headache, severe fatigue and muscle aches come on suddenly.

Decongestants

• This medication helps to reduce nasal decongestion, one symptom of flu. Someone with flu or the parent of a child who has gotten sick with flu will only be able to treat the symptoms. Over-the-counter medications will not "cure" this illness--only time, fluids and rest will do so.

Expectorants

• Expectorants work by thinning the mucous which collects in the chest so it is more easily coughed up and expelled from the body. Because mucous begins to develop, it must be coughed out of the chest before it begins to impair breathing. This is especially important for those flu victims who have a chronic illness such as asthma, COPD or diabetes.

Antihistamines

• This over-the-counter medication helps to block histamines, which can cause a runny nose. Because of their tendency to cause drowsiness, someone with flu who takes this medication will sleep more readily. The parent of a child with flu should be careful how much medication she gives to her ill child. While she wants to make her child more comfortable, giving too much medication can cause harm.

Cough Suppresants

• A cough suppressant helps to quiet cough. If your child has a dry cough which is nonproductive (is not producing mucous), you can ask your doctor about giving her a cough suppressant so she is more comfortable.

Antivirals

• Antiviral medications can reduce the severity of a bout of flu and shorten its duration by a few days. These medications, which are available only by prescription, are most effective when used within 48 hours of the onset of flu. These medications include Symmetrel, Tamiflu, Flumadine and Relenza. Relenza is only available as a Diskhaler, which is given as an inhaler to children seven years of age or older.