Now that winter is approaching, and with it, its associated colds, it’s a good time to take a look at the 13 most effective flu medications, as well as tips on how to alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu-like illnesses.and tips on how to alleviate the symptoms of such an annoying pathology.
Thus, winter is the ideal time to acquire and spread the flu virus, because in this period the temperature drops and this decreases the response of our immune system against pathogens.
- Recommended article: “The 7 differences between allergy, cold and intolerance”.
What is the flu?
In this article we explain in detail exactly what this pathology is, its origin and transmission, how to prevent it, what its symptoms are, and how to combat them with medication.In this article we explain in detail exactly what this pathology consists of, its origin and transmission, how to prevent it, what its symptoms are, and how to combat them with drugs.
Finally, and based on the current therapeutic guidelines as well as on the drugs available on the market, we give you a review of interest on the 13 most useful drugs against influenza.
The influenza virus
Influenza is a minor infectious disease caused by a pathogen. Specifically, this pathology includes a group of viruses of the Influenza family, which are called influenza viruses. There are basically three types: A, B and C, with A being the most frequent, B the least frequent and C the least frequent.
How is the flu virus spread? Well, the contagion of this type of pathogen takes place from person to person and is generally transmitted through respiratory secretions, that is, through coughing and sneezing.
Therefore, a good way to prevent it is to avoid contact with people who have the flu or not to get too close when coughing or blowing your nose to avoid contact with airborne secretions.
However, if you cannot avoid contact and suddenly find yourself with the typical intense “flu”, once you start to detect the symptoms, you can follow our guide with the 13 most effective drugs against the flu.
Symptoms and treatment
The most frequent symptoms are: fever, headache, general malaise, and generalized muscle and joint pain.. Often these symptoms are accompanied by other respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, mucus and runny nose.
Sometimes, although it is not very frequent, digestive symptoms may appear, such as abdominal discomfort, nausea or diarrhea. And finally, after the disease has passed, a clinical picture of generalized fatigue may appear, called post-viral asthenia syndrome.
The intensity of the symptoms, as well as their duration, depends on individual factors as well as on the course of the disease itself. The illness usually has a natural duration of 3 to 5 days, regardless of medication, but medication is available to alleviate the symptoms.
The 13 most useful drugs against influenza
Now that we have seen what the flu consists of, and without further ado, let’s talk about the 13 most effective drugs against this disease.
1. Ibuprofen or Paracetamol
The drugs par excellence when colds appear are Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. They are antipyretics (i.e. they reduce fever), analgesics (they relieve generalized pain and discomfort) and Ibuprofen in particular is also anti-inflammatory.
2. PharmagripⓇ
Pharmagrip is another of the most effective drugs against influenza. This medicine contains 3 active ingredients: Paracetamol (for fever), Phenylephrine (for congestion) and Chlorphenamine (for allergic symptoms such as runny nose). It can be found in capsules or in powder for oral suspension.
3. FrenadolⓇ/Frenadol ForteⓇ.
The classic frenadol; contains paracetamol (for fever), dextromethorphan (it is an antitussive), Chlorphenamine (for allergic symptoms), Vitamin C and caffeine counteracts the decay that often accompanies the common cold and also counteracts the drowsiness effects typical of antihistamines (in this case Chlorphenamine).
Frenadol Forte is less complete, since it contains the same as conventional Frenadol, but without the caffeine and vitamin C.
4. Antihistamines
The next most effective anti-influenza drugs are antihistamines. These drugs reduce allergic symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. Ebastel, Ebastel Forte or Cetirizine are very effective new generation antihistamines.
5. CouldinaⓇ
Couldina contains the same type of active ingredients as Frenadol: Acetylsalicylic acid (for general malaise), Chlorphenamine (for allergy) and Phenylephrine (for congestion). It is taken in effervescent tablets.
6. GripaVicksⓇ
This medicine is taken in powder form (to dissolve in water) and contains Paracetamol, Guaifenesin (to thin phlegm and break up mucus) and Phenylephrine hydrochloride.
7. Desenfriol CⓇ
Desenfriol C is another of the most effective drugs against flu. This medicine is taken in sachets and contains: Acetylsalicylic acid, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), chlorphenamine and caffeine as active ingredients.
8. Dolmen
This medicine is one of the oldest and best known: it contains acetylsalicylic acid, Vitamin C and Codeine (powerful antitussive). Be careful because it contains Codeine, which is a derivative of morphine, and requires a prescription.
9. Nasal decongestants
It is also very common to use nasal decongestants to unclog the nose: UtabonⓇ, RhinovinⓇ, RhinosprayⓇ…. They all work effectively, but should not be used for more than 4-5 days so as not to have a rebound effect (i.e., the nose gets used to it and needs the medicine to stop secreting mucus).
10. Antitussive or expectorant syrups
It is important to detect if during the cold we have dry cough or cough with mucus. In the first case, the ideal is to take an antitussive syrup, in order to avoid the typical annoying cough that ends up irritating the throat.
In the second case, the ideal is to take an expectorant syrup, which will help to remove the mucus that may be produced by the cold and avoid antitussive syrups because they would mean that the mucus will remain inside and could drift to the lungs.
11. Herbal medicines
Another option to alleviate colds would be the use of phytotherapeutic medicines, that is to say, with products extracted or derived from plants as active ingredients.
They are usually infusions (such as Bio3 Bie3 Antigripal, with Echinacea to help the immune system, or Aquilea PectoⓇ to decongest the airways, etc) or syrups with echinacea (for example, Soria Natural EchinaceaⓇ or A.Voguel EchinaforceⓇ).
12. Nasal ointments
As we are constantly blowing our nose, scabs or small internal wounds may appear. Ointments such as RinobanedifⓇ, which contain corticosteroids for inflammation, topical antibiotics and eucalyptus among others, help heal the irritated nose.
13. Propolis
Propolis is another of the most effective medicines against the flu. It is a natural substance extracted from honey. It is known for its medicinal properties. It is said to help the immune system to increase defenses.
It can be used as a prevention or as a treatment. It is available in many forms (syrups, infusions, throat sprays…).
By way of conclusion
Here is the list of the 13 most effective drugs against influenza. Choosing the ideal drugs depending on the symptoms is key to manage the disease well, always under medical or pharmaceutical advice and avoiding self-medication.
In addition, being of viral origin, it should be taken into account that the use of antibiotics in this pathology is not appropriate because antibiotics act against bacteria and not against viruses. because antibiotics act against bacteria and not against viruses.
In any case, the disease has its natural course and it is practically impossible to reduce its days of pathology. At most, and based on this list of the 13 most effective drugs against influenza, the symptoms can be greatly attenuated. The best thing to do is to take it easy, rest, rest and, above all, take good care of yourself.