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I'm so confused by all of the bottles on the cough/cold shelf at the
pharmacy. If I get the flu this winter, what should I take?Hi Soccermom-ga
First of all, I should say that if you have any concerns about your
health, you should seek professional medical advice. This answer is
provided for general information purposes only, and is not intended to
substitute for professional advice.
To begin with, we should probably note the differences between colds
and the flu, to make sure you are treating the right illness.
According to the American Lung Association, the Flu is “an infection
of the respiratory system caused by the influenza virus”.
There are three types – A, B and C.
“Types A and B are the most severe. The viruses change constantly and
different strains circulate around the world every year.”
Those who are infected with Type C influenza will experience either
mild symptoms or none at all. Unless you have a mild version, the
symptoms are more severe and appear more quickly than those of a
common cold. These may include a temperature of over 101 degrees
Fahrenheit, a cough, muscle ache, headache or chills.
http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/c&f02/influenza.html
You are specifically interested in over-the-counter remedies for colds
and flu, and which ones you should be taking. To look at each remedy
on the market and rate its effectiveness would be almost pointless, as
different people would rate different remedies in different ways.
However, research into this topic has brought up a number of resources
that recommend treating individual symptoms rather than using
‘cure-all combos’.
Advice from the Food and Drug Administration agrees with this.
“With all the choices on the shelves, it can be hard to know what
medicine to pick. It may seem easier to grab a multi-symptom medicine
that promises to take care of everything, but it's better to take a
product specific to your symptoms, says Jeffrey Delafuente, a
professor and director of geriatric programs at Virginia Commonwealth
University's School of Pharmacy.”
The site also points out that taking medicines to cure symptoms you
don’t have simply exposes you to the accompanying side effects.
“Taking medicine for symptoms you don't have may not be harmful, he
adds, but it unnecessarily exposes you to medicine and the
accompanying side effects. ‘Multi-symptom medicines can be useful if
you truly have many symptoms.’ ”
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/601_flu.html
In other words, if you have a cough, take a cough remedy. If you have
muscle ches and pains, take a remedy with paracetemol in it (provided
you do not have an allergy to it). However, be careful that you do not
double up on ingredients, check the labels and take heed of any
warnings about mixing medication. Ask advice from your pharmacist or
doctor if you are in doubt, as certain medical conditions should not
be mixed with paracetemol. You should not exceed the recommended dose
for any remedy or ingredient. Also, aspirin should not be given to
children or teenagers.
This Webpage, also from the FDA, has information on the type of
remedies to take to treat individual symptoms.
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/clds&flu.html
The effectiveness of flu remedies is a subject of debate. According to
this article from USA Today, flu remedies may only shorten the
illness’s cycle by a day.
“ ‘The benefits are minimal,’ comments K.D. Hoskins, a spokesperson
for the CDC. ‘We're talking about shortening the course of the flu by
one day,’ says Dr. Steven Simons, a practicing pulmonologist in
Beverly Hills and a clinical professor of medicine at UCLA.”
http://www.usatoday.com/life/health/doctor/lhdoc076.htm
If you really want to take medication to fight the flu, there are some
anti-viral drugs available to combat the illness. The anti-viral drugs
must be taken within 48 hours to have an effect.
“Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir), both approved for use
in 1999, are to treat uncomplicated cases of influenza caused by types
A and B flu virus. Tamiflu also is approved for preventive use, while
Relenza is approved only for treatment. Two older drugs, amantadine
and rimantadine, which are sold under the trade names Symmetrel and
Flumadine respectively, are approved for the treatment and prevention
of Type A influenza.”
Also from the USA Today article quoted above:
“ ‘The biggest advantage of Relenza and Tamiflu is they treat both
Type A and B influenzas,’ comments Simons. The newcomers also have
fewer troubling side effects.”
They are more expensive than regular remedies and the article notes
that there are some side effects.
“The most notable side effect from Tamiflu, which is taken in pill
form, is nausea. Side effects from Relenza, which is inhaled, include
sinus infections and diarrhea. Earlier this month, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) warned physicians to take added care when
prescribing Relenza, especially to asthmatics.”
http://www.usatoday.com/life/health/doctor/lhdoc076.htm
Of course, prevention is always better than cure. It’s not always
possible to avoid the flu, but you can take a couple of steps to
improve your chances
Information I’ve uncovered suggests that you might be better off
getting the flu shot rather than relying on over the counter remedies.
From the FDA’s Website:
“The flu shot remains the best way to protect yourself. The drugs are
sometimes used as a backup to the vaccine in special situations, such
as to control a flu outbreak.”
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/601_flu.html
VHIhealthe.com recommends the flu vaccine as the best way to avoid
getting the flu. However, if you have an allergy to eggs, it is best
to discuss this with your GP. The site also recommends washing your
hands as a way to help avoid the illness.
http://www2.vhihealthe.com/topic/flushot
There are also a number of herbal remedies that are believed to help
with flu symptoms. However, it is advised that you consult with your
doctor before beginning to use these herbal treatments.
Echinacea is believed to help strengthen the immune system, but its
effectiveness as a cure for colds and flu appears to be unproven.
According to the FDA’s Website:
“As for echinacea, ‘studies have been done of echinacea for preventing
or treating colds and flu, but these studies were not rigorous or
definitive and the products tested were diverse,’ according to a
written statement from Stephen Straus, M.D., director of the National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the
National Institutes of Health. ‘These studies at best suggest that
echinacea may be beneficial in the early treatment of colds and flu,
but does not help prevent them.’
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/601_flu.html
This Website, WholeHealthMD recommends supplements for helping with
flu symptoms. As I have already mentioned, it is worth mentioning this
to your GP before taking any kind of supplement, in case an existing
medical condition or medication is incompatible with any of the
ingredients.
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/resourceareas_supp/1,1442,529,00.html
Also, don’t overdo it. Overdosing on natural supplements can have
adverse affects, so stick to the recommended dosage and always consult
your doctor.
These websites also contain some ‘flu facts’:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization
Program:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/Public.htm
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/newsroom/focuson/flu00/background.htm
Tips for treating the Flu (children)
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/tips_take_care.html
The Wellness Junction
http://www.wellnessjunction.com/athome/selfcare/flu2.htm
Whole HealthMD
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/resourceareas_more/1,2308,529,00.html
Search strategy:
‘flu remedies+effective’
‘treating flu’
‘natural flu remedies’
‘Echinacea+flu’
I hope this helps. If you require clarification of this answer before
rating it, please ask and I will be happy to help.
cobrien-ga#If you have any other info about this subject , Please add it free.# |
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