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Colds and flu symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately — use the colds and flu Symptom Checker if you're not sure what to do. Show
Over-the-counter medicinesThere are a number of over-the-counter medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms. These include: Paracetamol for pain and feverParacetamol can be used for adults and children over 1 month for pain and symptoms of fever. Make sure you’ve got the right strength for your child’s age and weight as overdosing can be dangerous. Read and follow the directions on the label carefully. If you are not sure check with your doctor or pharmacist. Ibuprofen for pain and feverIbuprofen can be given for pain and symptoms of fever in adults and children of 3 months and over, according to their weight. Make sure you’ve got the right strength for your child’s age and weight as overdosing can be dangerous. Read and follow the directions on the label carefully. If you are not sure check with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma, unless advised by your doctor. Decongestants and saline nasal sprays or drops to relieve a blocked noseNasal decongestants and saline (salt water) nasal sprays can help to relieve a blocked nose, but should not be used for more than 4 or 5 days in a row. Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline or xylometazoline must not be used in children younger than 6 years. Use salt water (saline) nasal sprays or drops instead of a nasal decongestant for these children. Before using a decongestant, check with your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you or your child. Combination ‘cough and cold’ medicinesCough and cold medicines are often used for symptom relief however it’s important to know there is not enough evidence showing they work well, particularly in children. Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 6. You should ask a doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner for advice before giving cough and cold medicines to children aged 6 to 11 years. Cough and cold medicines often contain paracetamol, so it is important to check the label to avoid ‘doubling up’ and taking other medicines that also contain paracetamol. Complementary medicinesSome people find vitamins (for example vitamin C), mineral supplements (for example zinc) or herbal medicines (for example echinacea) helpful. However, there is not enough evidence to show they are effective in helping to treat or prevent colds and flu. Antiviral medicationsIf you are likely to suffer complications from the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication. These medicines won’t cure the flu, but if they are taken within 48 hours of symptoms they can help to:
They do this by stopping the virus from multiplying in your body. Talk to your doctor to see if antiviral medications are right for you. AntibioticsAntibiotics won’t help the symptoms of a cold or flu or stop them from spreading to other people. This is because they are viral infections and antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Some people occasionally can get a bacterial infection as a complication of a cold or flu. This kind of infection is not common and most people will get better by themselves without antibiotics. If you are at more risk of complications or may get very sick, then your doctor may give you antibiotics. Talk to your doctor to see if antibiotics are right for you. For advice on medicines call the NPS MedicineWise information line on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424). Learn about some other things you can do to relieve cold or flu symptoms. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the colds and flu Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. You can also see a doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms. If you would like to speak to a registered nurse, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). The CDC recommends prompt medical attention for people who get the flu and are at high risk of developing complications, such as adults who are 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and cancer. People taking immunosuppressive medications are also at a higher risk for flu complications. For people in these groups, treatment may include antiviral medications; these prescription drugs are used to battle influenza viruses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following antivirals to treat flu:
“Antiviral medications might shorten the duration of symptoms somewhat, but in order for them to be effective, they need to be started in the first two days of illness,” says Dr. Ohl. The CDC stresses that these drugs are a second line of defense against the flu: A flu vaccine remains the best way to stay healthy. RELATED: Raising Awareness About the Flu and Vaccination in the Face of Tragedy What Treatment Options Are Safe During Pregnancy?According to the Cleveland Clinic, natural remedies like saline nasal drops and warm saltwater gargling are ideal cold and flu treatments during pregnancy. Vicks VapoRub and cough drops (with the exception of sugar-free cough drops for gestational diabetes that contain blends of herbs or aspartame) are also considered safe during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should check with their healthcare provider before taking any drug. While no medication can be considered 100 percent safe for pregnant women, the Cleveland Clinic lists the following as among those generally considered to be okay:
Note: Do not take the sustained action (abbreviated on labels as "SA") or multisymptom forms of these drugs. As for the decongestant pseudoephedrine, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that pregnant women avoid it in the first trimester, while a review published in the journal American Family Physician concluded that women should use it only sparingly later in pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and you get flu symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away advises the CDC. Pregnant women can take influenza antiviral medication and should begin treatment as soon as possible. RELATED: 7 Natural Flu Remedies That Actually Work What Treatment Options Are Safe While Breastfeeding?Natural remedies like saline nasal drops and warm saltwater gargles are great options for cold and flu treatment while breastfeeding. In addition, the following drugs are among those generally considered safe, according to the Mayo Clinic, which recommends seeking input from a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
For breastfeeding mothers with the flu who are at high risk of complications, antiviral medications are considered safe. Oseltamivir is the top choice, notes the CDC, adding that very little of the drug ends up in breast milk. Additional reporting by Pamela Kaufman. What is best medicine for flu?But if you have a severe infection or are at higher risk of complications, your health care provider may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat the flu. These drugs can include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab) or baloxavir (Xofluza).
What cures a flu quickly?The CDC recommends baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza). The drugs work best when you get them within 48 hours of your first symptoms. They may shorten the time you are sick and make your symptoms milder if you take the medicine early on.
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What over the counter medicine is good for the flu
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