I have the flu....what's good to take?

[SarahsMom]

Hi Gals,

I'm so NOT feeling well....I've had achey muscles for about (3) days now, I thought I had just worked out too hard and had tired legs....We were all supposed to go out to dinner for my 36th birthday (which it tomorrow), and around 4 pm my heart started racing...I started to get REALLY COLD and shivery...my husband took my temperature and it was 101.8 :(

Anyone know any good OTC medicine to take to get rid of this crap..? I don't want to spend me entire birthday in bed.

Thanks,

Kari

[SusanD]

If you have the real flu and are seen by a Dr. tomorrow (CareNow type of place,etc) you can get an Rx for Tamiflu...an anti-viral that can really decrease the length and severity of the influenza virus.

As far as OTC stuff, the usual treatments for fever and aches include Motrin or Advil (not both !) and symptom related treatments for cough, etc.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Natasha]

But remember, no decongestants! Tylenol is my pain reliever of choice. I find that if I take Advil, I have problems with bruising. I use Breathe Right strips at night to help me sleep and spread some mentholatum ointment under my nose. When I had this type of virus, I had an awful cough that lasted weeks and kept me awake at night. I received anti biotics for the cough (bronchitis) and a prescription cough syrup with codeine.

Good luck! My heart condition makes me most miserable when I can't take Nyquil!

[momoftwoboys]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! My advice is to drink lots and lots of water. My remedy of choice is tylenol and vicks vapo rub also. I haven't taken anything else such as nyquil or anything of the sort in about 10 years (since high school). I remember my heart just racing out of control that last time I took it. Get lots of rest and you can go out for your birthday when you feel better. Hopefully it will only last a few days to a week and you'll be feeling better.