How to Deal With Common Viruses

Common viruses range in severity from a runny nose to horrible coughs, and sometimes even vomiting and diarrhea. How to treat common viruses depends on what symptoms are present and treating them individually. Most of the symptoms are easily treatable at home.

Instructions

• 1

  Lower a fever by taking over-the-counter fever reducers such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen.

• 2

  Relieve a headache or body aches using an over-the-counter pain reliever. If also treating a fever, just take the single dose of ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.

• 3

  Get plenty of rest and fluids. Common complaints when suffering with a virus are fatigue, weakness and extreme exhaustion. Giving the body the rest it wants and needs is very important for recovery.

• 4

  Use a decongestant. If symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose are present, decongestants alleviate some of the discomfort.

• 5

  Treat a sore throat with an anesthetic. These come in spray form. Also good are sore throat drops which contain an anesthetic.

• 6

  Take a cough suppressant and expectorant for coughs. Expectorants break up chest congestion, helping to get it out. Suppressants stop the urge to cough, making sleeping possible. Cough drops contain a suppressant and treat coughs during the day since cough medications without drowsiness.

• 7

  See a doctor if flu symptoms such as a very high fever or severe body aches are present. If it is the flu, medications such as amantadine or rimantidine taken 24 to 48 hours after symptoms begin can shorten the duration of the flu, and lessen the severity.

• 8

  Use an anti-diarrhea medicine when necessary. Diarrhea is a symptom of dehydration, so be sure to drink more fluids, and replace lost electrolytes.