There are several types of medicine for flu and cough, from
over-the-counter (OTC) medications to antiviral medications. Cough suppressants
work by blocking the cough reflex, while antivirals prevent the virus from multiplying
in the body. These drugs may cause side effects and should be used with
caution.
OTC Combination Medicines Treat Cold And Cough
Over-the-counter combination medicines treat cold and cough
by using a combination of one or more ingredients. Some contain antitussives,
while others contain an expectorant to thin mucus and clear the airway. Cough
suppressants, like dextromethorphan, are the most effective for a dry cough.
They also work to reduce fever and ease nasal congestion.
Before using an OTC combination medicine, always consult
your healthcare provider. Some of the common ingredients in cough and cold
medications have negative effects, particularly for older people, children, and
people with other medical conditions. These medicines should also be avoided by
those taking certain types of prescription medicines. If you are pregnant, it
is especially important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any
OTC cough and cold medicine.
Several OTC cough and cold medicines contain guaifenesin,
which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Guaifenesin works by
increasing the volume of mucus and decreasing its viscosity, which helps you
cough easier. They can also contain analgesics, such as acetaminophen or
naproxen, which can help relieve fever and headache.
Cough Suppressants Block The Cough Reflex
Cough suppressants block the cough reflex in the body and
help control persistent coughing. These cough suppressants, also known as
antitussives, are widely available and may be prescribed by your doctor or
pharmacist. There are several types of cough suppressants, including
antihistamines, expectorants, and decongestants. Cough suppressants are
typically available over-the-counter and with a prescription, and they are
suitable for various age groups. They can be found in a single over-the-counter
formulation or in a multi-symptom cold and cough product. Cough suppressants
are usually labeled "DM," which stands for dextromethorphan.
Coughing is an important reflex, as it clears the respiratory
passages from irritants. However, severe inhibition of this reflex can be
harmful to the respiratory system and may even lead to death. Coughing is often
accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, and
sore throat. Coughing can be very painful and can interfere with daily
activities. In addition to these discomforts, coughing can spread contagious
diseases and cause fainting and vomiting due to reduced blood
purify flow to the brain and
abdominal muscles. It can also lead to fatigue and insomnia.
Antiviral Medications Prevent Virus From Multiplying in Your Body
Antiviral medications are a great way to treat the flu and cough, since they prevent the virus from multiplying in your body and causing an illness. These drugs are often prescribed to hospitalized patients or people at high risk of developing complications. This includes people over 65, pregnant women, nursing home residents, and people with lung or heart disease. For these people, antivirals can mean the difference between a mild illness and one that can cause a life-threatening situation.
Antivirals can be effective for a short period of time or as
a preventative measure to prevent future viral infections. However, some people
experience side effects, which may outweigh the benefits of taking antivirals.
While these medicine
for flu and cough can be effective
for short-term viral infections, they are not effective for chronic infections.
In some cases, antiviral medicines can actually make the virus inactive or
latent. In addition to preventing symptoms, antiviral medicines may help prevent
the spread of viral infections, as well as reduce the chances of HIV
transmission. During pregnancy, antiviral medications may also be helpful to
prevent HIV transmission to newborn babies.
Side Effects of OTC Combination Medicines
OTC combination medicines for cough and flu often contain
multiple ingredients, including antihistamines and decongestants. They may also
include cough suppressants and analgesics. Choose the product with the right
ingredients for your symptoms. It is important to pick a cough and cold product
that contains only the medicines you need.
Many cough and cold combination medicines contain an
expectorant like guaifenesin, which thins mucus and relieves the discomfort of
a stuffy nose. However, many of these medicines are not recommended for
pregnant women and children. These medications may also cause adverse
reactions, including nervousness, irritability, and insomnia.
It's important to consider the side effects of all of the
medicines you're taking. Many medicines can interact with one another,
including acetaminophen, a common ingredient in Tylenol. Always ask your
pharmacist if you have any allergies to any of the ingredients in your cough
and cold medications.
Getting a Flu Shot
If you're unsure whether or not you should get a flu shot,
talk to your healthcare provider. While you may not be experiencing any
symptoms of the flu, it's important to get a flu shot as early as possible to
prevent serious complications. You can even get a flu shot if you're coughing
or experiencing other symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. However, the
flu vaccine will have a much lower effectiveness if you're already sick.
A flu shot protects you against influenza A and B as well as
the seasonal flu. However, if you're already sick, you should postpone getting
a flu shot until you're feeling better. The benefits of flu shots are well
known: they can reduce the risk of getting sick and can even shorten the
duration of illness.