Flu Treatment

Need help deciding which flu treatment is effective and which can help you manage those miserable flu symptoms? While flu treatments won't cure the flu, there are flu treatments that can relieve common flu symptoms such as fever, aches, fatigue, and congestion. Some flu treatments may actually shorten the time you have flu symptoms.

Which flu treatments should I take for flu symptoms?

The flu treatment you should take depends on your symptoms. For example, if you have nasal or sinus congestion, then a decongestant can be helpful.

Oral decongestants come in many forms -- pills, tablets, capsules, or syrups. Decongestants are used to open the mucous membranes in the nose and help them to drain. However, decongestants should not be used for more than a few days because, if they are used too long and then stopped, they can cause rebound symptoms.

If you have a runny nose, postnasal drip, or itchy, watery eyes -- then an antihistamine may be helpful for your flu symptoms. Antihistamines block the effect of "histamine," and help relieve such annoying symptoms as sneezing, itching, congestion, and nasal discharge.

Over-the-counter antihistamines often make people drowsy, whereas decongestants can make people hyper or keep them awake. Antihistamines can make mucus thick, which can be a problem if you have lung disease such as COPD or asthma. Keep in mind that both decongestants and antihistamines can interact with other drugs you may be taking for conditions such as heart disease, and they may worsen some conditions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which flu treatment may be best for you.

Which flu treatment should I use for nasal congestion?

If you need immediate relief for swollen, congested nasal passages, you may get relief with an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). It is important to stop using decongestant nasal sprays after three to five days to avoid the development of rebound congestion or recurrent congestion.

Some doctors suggest using a saline spray instead of a medicated spray. Saline spray works more slowly but has no rebound effect. It may be used for extended periods of time without significant side effects.

Is it safe to take a decongestant if I have high blood pressure?

Decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Pseudoephedrine is the primary oral decongestant available. In general, if your blood pressure is well controlled with medications, then a decongestant shouldn't be a problem as long as you monitor your blood pressure. This may not be true, however, with certain types of blood pressure medications.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist about which type of medicine may be best for you.

Which flu treatment works best for my cough?

An occasional cough may clear the lung of pollutants and excess phlegm. A persistent cough should be diagnosed and treated specifically. On the pharmacy shelf, you'll find numerous cough medicines with various combinations of decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics/antipyretics, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Ask your pharmacist which combination, if any, would be right for your cough.