Your throat’s sore, your nose is running and you’re achy all over. Great. Now what?
It could be a cold. Maybe it’s flu. Both are respiratory illnesses, although different viruses cause them. Colds are generally milder than flu, with shorter durations and less severity in symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme fatigue and a dry cough.
Unfortunately, the only proven cure for colds and flu is time. Yes, vaccines can help prevent flu. But once contracted, the only remedy is over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.
Because we’re talking about viruses, antibiotics won’t help. They have no effect on viruses, and should be used only for bacterial complications, such as sinus and ear infections.
Children and teenagers with symptoms of flu should not take aspirin or products containing aspirin, as they may contain salicylates. Use of these products in young people with flu has been associated with Reye syndrome, a rare, sometimes fatal condition characterized by vomiting and lethargy. Because cold and flu symptoms are often so similar, it’s best not to give aspirin to people under age 20 with these symptoms.
Most nonprescription cough and cold remedies contain a combination of ingredients to attack multiple symptoms. These combination products often contain antipyretics to reduce fever and analgesics to relieve minor aches, pains and headaches.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines should be used carefully, according to label instructions and warnings. Under an FDA rule issued in 2009, all OTC product labeling must use simplified language and include warnings about potential safety risks, such as internal bleeding and liver damage.
The best way to survive the cold and flu? Make some hot tea, curl up with a good book, drink lots of fluids and wait it out.
Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.
Source: CDC.gov
