What OTC medicines should I take if I start feeling flu-like symptoms?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
One sickness that takes its toll on everyone in Fall every year is the Flu. That has now been joined by COVID-19 as of December 2019, which also has flu-like symptoms. Both are viral infections that can be fatal, especially in high-risk groups. The flu bug attacks the nose, throat and lungs and gives rise to extremely uncomfortable symptoms. The flu symptoms comprise mainly of fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, headaches, runny nose, and fatigue.
As soon as flu like symptoms appear, the best remedy is rest and plenty of fluids to boost the immune system and help it defend the body against the virus. A healthy diet, plenty of hydration with increased rest and sleep is the key to early recovery. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the flu. No OTC (over the counter) medicine will treat the flu. However, there are multiple OTC medications available to manage flu symptoms and make the patient more comfortable. These OTC medications may be used according to the symptoms, but with caution, paying attention to their dosage, side effects and contraindications. One must keep in mind that although OTC medicine is conveniently obtained, it does come with side effects and also cross reactions with any other medications being taken.
For fever, headaches and generalized body aches, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) can be given. However, these should not be started immediately with the onset of low- grade fever. Body temperature is one vital sign that can indicate the severity of flu and COVID-19. One is able to monitor body temperature even at home accurately, with thermometers that were initially introduced back in the 19th century. A scientist named Karl Wunderlich instituted the use of thermometers with a thread of mercury that rose or fell with the fluctuation of body temperature. With his use of thermometers and his maintenance of temperature cards, he was able over time to incorporate body temperature as one of the vital signs into the standard diagnostic algorithm. Now all sorts of easy-to-use digital thermometers are available.
It is important for all flu and COVID-19 patients to follow and record the pattern of the fever, share the temperature chart, the medicines taken, and associated symptoms with a doctor on a telemedicine platform. Body temperatures should preferably be taken with either an oral or a rectal thermometer as they are the most accurate. Other thermometers like the ear (tympanic membrane) and the forehead (temporal artery) thermometers take less accurate measurements of body temperature and should be used only for screening. If already on medication for a chronic underlying condition, it is best to contact your doctor on a telemedicine platform, discuss, and then start OTC medication according to the guidelines provided.
For sore throats, sinus and chest congestion OTC pain relievers like Tylenol, Motrin, throat sprays like chloraseptic spray, throat drops, and lozenges may work. Taking plenty of fluids and steam inhalation are actually encouraged even more than the use of OTC pain relievers and decongestants.
Management of cough depends on the type of cough. If a dry cough, a cough suppressant that contains dextromethorphan as seen in Delsym can help. For productive cough, an OTC expectorant that contains Guaifenesin, as contained in Robitussin or Mucinex can be taken. For management of both dry and productive cough, a combination of dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin, as contained in Robitussin DM and Mucinex DM can be used.
Runny nose can be managed with oral antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra and nasal sprays like saline nasal spray, Nasacort Allergy spray, Flonase Allergy spray.
To avoid the discomfort and complications of flu and COVID-19, an annual vaccine (when available) can help prevent the viral infections and limit its complications.