Influenza medical therapy
Influenza Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
---|
Treatment |
Case Studies |
Influenza medical therapy On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Influenza medical therapy |
Risk calculators and risk factors for Influenza medical therapy |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]
Overview
Medical Therapy
Symptomatic Therapy
Over the counter (OTC) medicines may be taken to relieve influenza symptoms, but they do not affect the virus. [1]
Symptom(s) | OTC Medicine |
---|---|
Fever, Aches, Pains, Sinus pressure, Sore throat | Analgesics |
Nasal congestion, Sinus pressure | Decongestants |
Sinus pressure, Runny nose, Watery eyes, Cough | Antihistamines |
Cough | Cough suppressant |
Sore throat | Local anesthetics |
Children and teenagers with flu symptoms (particularly fever) should avoid taking aspirin as taking aspirin in the presence of influenza infection (especially Influenzavirus B) can lead to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease of the liver.[2]
Unconventional treatment
Homeopathic and other cold and flu remedies that fail to meet the regulatory requirements as drugs that treat disease, or the standards of evidence-based medicine, are sold as nutritional supplements.
They may be based on extracts of living things, but may lack documentation of their safety and effectiveness.
References
- ↑ "Cold and Flu Guidelines: Influenza". American Lung Association. Retrieved 2007-09-16.
- ↑ Molotsky, Irvin (1986-02-15). "Consumer Saturday - Warning on Flu and Aspirin". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-05-25.