When the flu hits, you feel absolutely miserable. Your whole body aches, you’re burning up with fever, and you just want relief. The good news is that several over-the-counter medications can help you feel better while your body fights off the virus.
Let me walk you through what actually works and what’s worth your money at the pharmacy.
Fever and Body Ache Relief
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are your best bets here. They both reduce fever and ease those deep muscle aches that make the flu so brutal.
Acetaminophen is gentler on your stomach, which matters when you’re already feeling queasy. Take it every 4-6 hours as needed, but don’t exceed 3,000 mg in 24 hours.
Ibuprofen works great for inflammation and pain. It lasts a bit longer—every 6-8 hours. Just take it with food to avoid stomach upset. I had a patient last flu season who alternated between the two for stubborn fever, and it helped her get through the worst days.
Cough Suppressants
That dry, hacking cough that keeps you up all night? Dextromethorphan can help. Look for products with “DM” in the name—that’s your clue it contains this ingredient.
It won’t cure the cough, but it can quiet it down enough to let you sleep. And sleep is crucial when you’re fighting the flu.
Decongestants for Stuffiness
Pseudoephedrine works well to open up nasal passages, but you’ll need to ask the pharmacist for it. It’s kept behind the counter even though it’s over-the-counter.
Phenylephrine is the alternative you’ll find on shelves, but honestly, it doesn’t work as well for most people. If your nose is really stuffed up, the pseudoephedrine is worth the extra step.
Nasal Sprays
Saline nasal spray helps loosen mucus and keeps your nasal passages moist. You can use it as often as you want—it’s just salt water.
Oxymetazoline sprays like Afrin work fast for severe congestion, but here’s the catch—don’t use them longer than three days. They can actually make congestion worse if you overuse them.
What Doesn’t Help
Skip the antibiotics. The flu is viral, so antibiotics won’t do anything except maybe give you side effects. Also, most cold and flu combination products contain ingredients you might not need. You’re better off treating your specific symptoms.
The Real Game Changers
Honestly, the best medicine is rest, fluids, and time. Those over-the-counter meds make you more comfortable, but your immune system does the actual work of beating the flu.
If your fever lasts more than three days, you’re having trouble breathing, or you’re getting worse instead of better, it’s time to get medical help. Those could be signs of complications that need prescription treatment.
Stay hydrated, get as much sleep as you can, and give yourself permission to actually rest. The flu typically runs its course in 7-10 days.
