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6 Common Treatments for Influenza

NSAIDs

Flu often causes headaches, body aches, and fever. Not everyone takes medication for these symptoms. If your headaches and body aches are serious, you should consider getting pain relievers from your local drugstore or online.

All pain relievers are not always good for you. Steer clear of aspirin if you are below 19 years. Children and teenagers who use aspirin while recovering from the flu risk developing Reye’s syndrome [7]. Reye’s syndrome, while rare, can be fatal. It also damages the liver and brain.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are good options but they also have side effects. According to Cleveland Clinic [8], acetaminophen is the preferred option. Besides relieving your body pain, NSAIDs may also help reduce your fever.

Stick to the recommended dose of any NSAID you use. You may ask your pharmacist for this. If you are already on other drugs, check for contraindications to avoid unwanted interactions in your system. You are unlikely to experience any serious side effects if you are careful.