Medications and Flu-like Symptoms

Getting sick is no fun and getting the flu is no exception.  Those suffering with flu-like symptoms may use over-the-counter medications or antiviral drugs (which require a prescription) to lessen flu-like symptoms.  Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications to ensure you using the medications safely and correctly.  Be sure to let them know if you are taking any other over-the-counter medications or prescriptions not related to the flu.

Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. For more information about Reye’s syndrome, visit the National Institute of Health website.

• Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
• Children 5 years of age and older and teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
• Children younger than 4 years of age should NOT be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
• The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus.
• Fevers and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of these kinds of medications include:

• Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. Importantly, these medications will not lessen how infectious a person is.
• Check the ingredients on the package label to see if the medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen before taking additional doses of these medications—don’t double dose! Patients with kidney disease or stomach problems should check with their health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.

Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:

• has difficulty breathing or chest pain
• has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
• has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
• is less responsive than normal or becomes confused

 source: cdc.gov