Flu and respiratory viruses are an objective autumn-winter reality. The annual norm is 4 episodes of colds in adults and from 8 to 12 in children. Therefore, cold and flu medications should be in every home medicine cabinet.
There are several types of flu and cold medicines
How to choose a medicine for colds and flu
On initial stages It is quite easy to confuse a viral infection with diphtheria or sore throat, meningitis, etc. Therefore, the best medicine is the drug prescribed by the doctor after a visual examination of the patient and analysis of his symptoms.
If you are sure that you or your child has ARVI and decide to self-medicate, then when choosing a medicine, consider the following points:
- Pharmaceutical group – antiviral, immunostimulating, antipyretic, antihistamine, local antiseptic, vitamin complex, a drug for symptomatic relief.
- Patient's age – many drugs have age restrictions. For children, use pediatric dosage forms.
- The composition of the drug and interaction with other substances is relevant if you take any medications on an ongoing basis.
- Contraindications and indications.
- The patient's condition - for pregnant women, many fashionable powders are prohibited; for older people, the dosage may need to be reconsidered.
- Dosage form – suppositories, tablets, suspensions or syrups, sprays, nasal drops.
- Price – many popular and expensive drugs have cheaper Russian-made analogues.
Don't look back to the past - many effective, safe and fast-acting remedies. In some cases, treating colds with aspirin is simply criminal!
When treating diseases caused by viruses - influenza, acute respiratory viral infection - it is prohibited to use antibiotics. These drugs are prescribed only if there is bacterial infection. Same as combined antibacterial drugs Tsiprolet type.
The best cold and flu medications
Do not use injections without urgent need. If you are able to take a tablet, capsule or syrup, then there is no injection of the drug.
The list of popular medicines is divided into 3 groups:
- Sympathomimetics are complex products – powders for preparing a hot drink. These include Fervex, Coldrex, Theraflu and similar domestic drugs. This also includes antipyretic tablets and syrups based on paracetamol and ibuprofen.
- Antiviral latest generation– Viferon, Ergoferon, Arbidol, Kagocel, Amiksin.
- Antiseptic preparations for local treatment of the nasopharynx - Tantum Verde, Orasept, Lugol's solution, saline and solutions sea salt for rinsing oral cavity.
Sympathomimetics
Drugs in this class do not provide anti-influenza or other therapeutic effect. They dock external manifestations influenza or ARVI.
Composition of Fervex, Theraflu, Coldrex and other powders from a bag or soluble tablets similar An antipyretic is present - usually paracetamol, vitamin C as a general tonic, and an antihistamine component to relieve swelling in the nasopharynx.
Fervex - produced in France - is produced in the form of a powder for preparing a hot drink, 8 sachets per package. It is produced in several forms - standard, for children over 6 years old and does not contain sucrose, which allows its use by patients with diabetes mellitus. Effective dosages are 2–3 sachets per day.
Fervex is contraindicated in the following cases:
- liver and kidney pathologies;
- glaucoma;
- BPH.
Fervex is an effective anti-flu drug
It is not advisable for pregnant women to take Fervex.The cost of Fervex packaging ranges from 320 to 330 rubles.
Coldrex is available in the form of tablets and powder for preparing a hot drink. It is distinguished from Fervex by the presence of caffeine as a stimulant. nervous system and terpinhydrate as a mucolytic.
Take 1-2 tablets. 3 times a day, but no more than 8 pcs. per day. Sachets – 1 sachet every 4–6 hours, but no more than 5 times a day. Drink hot.
Contraindications to the use of Coldrex are extensive:
- individual intolerance;
- liver and kidney pathologies;
- alcoholism;
- blood diseases;
- sleep disturbance;
- arterial hypertension;
- glaucoma;
- pancreatic diseases;
- hypothyroidism;
- diabetes;
- age up to 12 years;
- pregnancy and lactation.
The cost of the sympathomimetic ranges from 205 to 320 rubles, depending on the number of sachets in the package.
Theraflu - the drug contains paracetamol and 2 antiallergic components. Available only in powder form for preparing a hot drink.
Theraflu is available in powder form
Theraflu should be taken hot, 1 sachet every 6 hours, but not more than 5 pieces. per day.
Contraindications are similar to Coldrex and Fervex, but added:
- ulcer;
- lung diseases, including asthma;
- cervical obstruction Bladder with difficulty urinating;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children up to 12 years of age.
The cost of Theraflu ranges from 164 to 337 rubles, depending on the number of sachets in the package.
Vicks Active - contains the same paracetamol and phenylephrine as a decongestant component. But the dosages of active substances are higher than those of Fervex and Coldrex. Available only in powder form for preparing a hot drink.
The effective dosage for adults and adolescents over 15 years of age is 1 sachet every 6 hours, but not more than 4 sachets per day.
Contraindications are similar to the drugs in this group, but added:
- pheochromacytoma;
- history of pancreatitis;
- phenylketonuria;
- taking antidepressants, methotrexate, antipsychotics;
- age up to 15 years.
The cost of the drug is 235 rubles.
Amicitron is a standard sympathomimetic. Contains paracetamol, vitamin C, phenylephrine and pheniramine.
Amicitron - a drug for the treatment of influenza
Release form: powder for preparing a hot drink. Adults and children over 14 years of age are prescribed 1 sachet 3 times a day.
Contraindications are standard for drugs in this group:
- prohibited for use by children under 14 years of age;
- at hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- epilepsy;
- diabetes;
- blood diseases;
- bronchial asthma;
- heart diseases;
- alcohol addiction;
The cost of a package of 10 sachets is 330 rubles.
Antiviral drugs
Modern antiviral drugs do not kill the virus. They are inducers for the production of the patient’s own interferon; in fact, they have an immunostimulating effect. Can be used in the treatment of ARVI and for prevention in the autumn-winter period.
Kagocel is a new generation product. Available in tablet form. Effective dosages depend on the patient's age. The total duration of treatment for all categories of patients is 4 days.
Kagocel should be taken at regular intervals.
- age up to 3 years;
- individual intolerance;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- impaired absorption of certain types of sugars.
Ergoferon - the drug contains ready-made antibodies to interferon and histamine receptors. Available in the form of tablets for resorption in the oral cavity. The dosage of Ergoferon for children and adults is standard - 1 tablet per dose. Children are advised to dissolve the tablet in 1 tbsp. l. water.
For the first 2 hours, doses are taken every 30 minutes. Total 5 tablets. Then they switch to taking 1 piece at a time. 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.
Ergoferon for the treatment of viral infections
Contraindications for use:
- age up to 3 years;
- individual intolerance.
Prescribe with caution to patients with diabetes. Use during pregnancy is not prohibited, but a doctor must prescribe the drug during gestation.
The cost of a package of 20 tablets is 320–350 rubles.
Suppositories Viferon various dosages are combined agent. Contains interferon, tocopherol and vitamin C.
The total dosage is divided into 2 doses. Suppositories are used rectally in the morning and evening. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, but not less than 5 days.
Contraindications for use are only individual intolerance to the components.The cost of suppositories depends on the dosage and ranges from 250 to 880 rubles per package.
Amiksin IC is the main component of tyrolone in dosages of 60 mg and 120 mg. Stimulates the production of its own interferon. Available in tablet form.
The drug Amiksin IC contains tyrolone
Effective dosages:
- adults – 125 mg for 2 days, then 125 g 2 times every 48 hours;
- children from 7 children - 60 mg on days 1, 2 and 4 of treatment.
Contraindications for prescribing Amiksin IC are only individual intolerance and children under 7 years of age, pregnancy and lactation. The cost of the drug is 570 rubles.
Lavomax – complete analogue Amiksina IC. Available only in a dosage of 125 mg.
Prohibited for use in patients under 18 years of age.
The cost of tablets is 226 rubles.
Local antiseptics
| Name | Price (rubles) | Application | Contraindications |
| Orasept | 350-400 | Children from 2 to 12 years old – 3 sprays per day; Adults and children over 12 years of age – 5 sprays every 4 hours | · children under 2 years old; kidney and liver dysfunction |
| Tantum Verde | Spray – 300; Lozenges – 200 | Spray: · children 3-6 years old – 1-4 doses per day; · children 6-12 years old – 4 doses per day; adults and children over 12 years of age - up to 8 sprays per day Lozenges are used 4 times a day | · individual intolerance to all forms of release; · phenylketonuria and children under 3 years of age – for tablet form |
| Lugol | 100 | Irrigate the throat up to 6 times a day | · individual intolerance; · children under 5 years old; · pulmonary tuberculosis; · pregnancy; · urticaria; · neurosis. |
Colds and flu have a small incubation period and manifest themselves already in the first or second day after pathogenic agents enter the human body. Treatment for this condition involves the use of various antiviral agents, which may be available in different forms. In this case, it is imperative to treat the accompanying symptoms of the disease, as this will eliminate the virus from the body much faster and prevent it from causing complications. Before using any of the above products, you should familiarize yourself with detailed instructions to the medicine, since it often contains serious contraindications for use.
AntiGrippin
Complex products help eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of influenza and ARVI, maintain efficiency, but often contain phenylephrine, a substance that increases arterial pressure, which gives a feeling of vigor, but can cause side effects from of cardio-vascular system. Therefore, in some cases, it is better to choose a drug without components of this kind, for example, AntiGrippin from Natur Product, which helps relieve the unpleasant symptoms of ARVI without causing an increase in blood pressure.
There are contraindications. It is necessary to consult a specialist
Teraflu
Available medicinal product in two pharmacological forms– tablets and powders. The second form of the medication shows quick and effective results after the first use. For treatment, it is recommended to use one sachet per 100-150 ml of pure boiled water; you can add sugar to the solution and drink Theraflu as a tea drink. An adult patient is allowed to take 2-3 sachets of the drug per day. Treatment can last for a week as part of combination therapy.
Coldrex
Anti-cold complex, similar in its effect to Theraflu. More than 60% of patients are helped after the first dose of the medication, reducing the intensity of headaches and boosting immunity. The powder is taken along with boiled hot water. One sachet is taken per 100 ml of liquid. You can drink no more than 3 sachets of Coldrex per day so as not to reduce kidney and liver function. You can be treated with the powder for 5 days, in some cases it is possible to extend therapy up to one week.
Fervex
It has several flavors; the powder can also be used as a tea drink for colds, adding a small amount of sugar or sweetener to it. One sachet of Fervex 150 ml is taken for one hot water. No more than three sachets are taken per day, therapy lasts 5 days, in severe or complicated cases 7 days. If Fervex is taken to reduce high fever during flu and colds, the course of treatment should be reduced to 3 days.
Attention! Powder forms of the drug often cannot be used in childhood and if you have kidney problems. It should also be taken into account that they contain agents to reduce temperature, so the dosage of antipyretics should be adjusted.
Cold medicines in tablet form
Kagocel
An effective medicine to suppress the activity of the virus that causes colds and flu. To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, you need to undergo a course of therapy, including 18 doses active substance. On the first and second days, two tablets are prescribed 20 minutes before the main meal three times a day. From the 3rd day you should take one dose of Kagocel also 20-30 minutes before the main meal in the morning, at lunch and in the evening, until a dose of 18 tablets is reached.
Ergoferon
The drug also shows good effectiveness in treating colds in adult patients. For Get well soon You should take 4 tablets every 30 minutes in the first two hours. After this, three doses of Ergoferon are taken every 4-6 hours. In the following days, treatment continues with one dose of medication with each meal. Therapy continues until full recovery patient. In some cases, it is recommended to take Ergoferon for six months, one tablet for another six months, if the flu has caused complications in the lungs.
Oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum is an effective remedy for suppressing influenza and colds.
Expensive but effective medicine for suppressing flu and colds. Refers to homeopathic remedies. Small tablets are dissolved in water before use or simply eaten by the patient. For a quick recovery, you should take 1 dose of medication at mild degree colds and one dose of medication in the morning and evening for colds. The duration of therapy ranges from 1 to 5 days.
Attention! Some experts are categorically against the use of such medications, believing that they can significantly suppress natural protective functions body. With regular use, the medication becomes completely useless.
Antiviral drops and sprays for colds and flu
Aflubin
The drug has a general strengthening effect on the entire body, heals it and eliminates the virus from the body. Adult patients should take 10 drops of the active substance up to 8 times a day if the condition is complicated by high fever and severe sore throat. If the cold is less intense, Aflubin should be taken no more than 4 times. Therapy continues for 5-10 days.
Nazoferon
A medicine that is available in the form of drops for intranasal use. To obtain the desired result, the patient should take one injection into each sinus up to five times a day. Therapy continues individually for each patient, usually lasting 5-10 days. When using Nazoferon, dry nasal mucosa may occur.
Cold medicines in capsule form
Avirol
Avirol is a stimulant that can significantly strengthen the immune system during a respiratory illness.
A good stimulant that can significantly strengthen the immune system during a respiratory illness. Patients are recommended to take 1 capsule of Avirol daily, regardless of meals. The medication is taken for 14 days, after which it is completely discontinued.
Amizon Max
A rather strong medicine that allows you to eliminate the manifestations of colds and flu in 5-7 days. The medication is taken one hour before meals. Taking into account the severity of the patient’s condition, it is recommended that he take 1 capsule 2 to 4 times a day. Sometimes Amizon Max provoked severe intestinal upset.
Attention! Typically, cold medications are not combined with antibiotics in any way, regardless of the form of the antiviral. This is due to the fact that flu and colds are not caused by bacteria.
Cold medicines for children
Antiflu Kids
The instructions officially allow the use of the drug in children from 6 years of age. In more early period The use of AntiFlu is allowed only with the permission of the pediatrician after consultation with the attending physician. It comes in the form of a syrup with a pleasant taste; powder can also be used. The syrup is prescribed in strictly individual doses, taking into account the baby’s weight; the powder is drunk one sachet per 100 ml no more than 4 times a day. After two days, with positive dynamics, the amount of Antiflu Kids is reduced to 2 sachets. Therapy lasts no more than 5 days.
The drug is available in the form effervescent tablets to dissolve in water. Can be used from the age of three. For colds, children under five years old take 0.5 tablets in half a glass of water; after 5 years, the dosage doubles. You can take no more than 3-4 doses recommended by age per day. Treatment with Antigrippin can be continued for no more than 5 days, without medical supervision for no more than 3 days.
Anaferon for children
Excellent against flu and colds, eliminating the manifestations of the virus from human body. Children can take Anaferon already in the first year of life. After cold or flu symptoms occur, the child is given 1 tablet every 30 minutes every 2 hours. After this, on the first day you need to take three more doses of medication at equal intervals. After this, for 5-10 days, Anaferon for children is taken one dose 30 minutes before the main meal three times a day. The drug should not be taken if there are any autoimmune diseases, as this can cause their sharp exacerbation.
Attention! It is necessary to use any cold medicines in children only with the permission of the attending physician, as they can cause acute allergic reactions.
Video - Antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs
When should you see a doctor for colds and flu?
When eliminating symptoms of flu and colds, it is important not only to take antiviral drugs, but also carefully monitor your own condition. Without medical care cannot be avoided in the following situations:
- it is not possible to bring down the high temperature during the day or it continues to rise;
- the patient experiences confusion and pain in the upper back or sternum;
- taking antiviral drugs does not give a noticeable result within 1-2 days;
- noted severe pain in the lumbar region, problems with urination appeared;
- vomiting, diarrhea, or rash all over the body;
- breathing became heavy and intermittent;
- sore throat has progressed acute pain, noted purulent discharge from the throat and nasal cavity.
Attention! In children and pregnant women, colds and flu can worsen in just a few hours, so you should monitor the patient every few minutes. Also, you should not take only anti-cold medications; you definitely need drugs to eliminate other symptoms of the disease, such as a runny nose and high fever.
Additional remedies for the treatment of flu and colds
| A drug | Image | Medication class | Single dose | Number of daily appointments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antihistamine | 1 tablet | 1 time before bed | ||
| Antihistamine | 1 tablet | 1 time at any time of the day | ||
| 1-2 lollipops | 4, no more than 8 doses per day | |||
| Strepsils | Against sore throat and sore throat | 1-2 lollipops | 4, no more than 8 doses per day | |
| Paracetamol | Antipyretic | 1 tablet | No more than 4 | |
| Panadol | Antipyretic | 1 tablet | No more than 4 | |
| ACC | Against wet cough | 1 tablet | 2-3 times | |
| Syrup with ivy | Against dry cough | By weight | 2-3 times | |
| Nazivin | Against runny nose | 1-2 injections | No more than 3 times | |
| Against runny nose | 2 drops | No more than 3 times |
Attention! These drugs will significantly support the patient’s body, while eliminating such associated symptoms, How headache, runny nose and sore throat. The dosages of these medications are for adults.
Video - Treatment of influenza, ARVI and colds
A powerful folk remedy for colds and flu
Garlic milk
The product has a very unpleasant taste, but allows you to get a quick effect in literally 1-2 days of treatment. When preparing the medicine, you should take only fresh, real cow's milk; you can use goat's milk. For 200 ml of liquid, which should be brought to a boil, add three cloves of garlic and chop it. You also need to add 10 g of natural butter to the milk. After thoroughly stirring the products, they should be drunk in slow sips. This treatment should be used 20 minutes before bedtime. At the same time, it cures flu and colds simultaneously sore throat and cough. Treatment lasts until complete recovery.
Video - 7 effective rules for a speedy recovery
Warming up your heels
The procedure is quite effective and can be done provided there are no complications with the lungs or high fever. You should be treated in this way before going to bed until complete recovery. After steaming your feet a little, you should lubricate them with dry mustard. It is prepared at the rate of a tablespoon of powder per 50 ml of warm water. Lubricate the heels with the product and put on warm socks. After this, you should immediately go to bed. In the morning the feet are washed clean water. Instead of mustard, those with sensitive skin can use iodine mesh. The procedure is also carried out before going to bed.
The most effective medicine
For 1500 ml of boiled water, take a teaspoon of coarse sea salt. After dissolving it, add the juice of one large lemon and 1 g of pharmaceutical ascorbic acid to the liquid. Once again, carefully mix all the components of the drug. This amount of water should be drunk 2-3 hours before going to bed. In this case, one procedure is usually enough to treat the patient. Using this method You should make sure your kidneys are in complete health.
Attention! In some cases, when treatment was started immediately after signs of a cold appeared, traditional medicines showed more powerful results than traditional antivirals.
Treatment of flu and colds is always a labor-intensive process that must include the use of several drugs at once. Most experts insist that therapy for such diseases cannot take place without additional consultation the attending physician, since the disease progresses rapidly and can progress to the stage of pneumonia. During treatment, be sure to adhere to the recommended doses and prescribed course of therapy. read on our website.
Colds have long ceased to be a seasonal phenomenon and you can catch them at any time of the year. The reasons for this are: the modern rhythm of life, ecology, weakened immunity and mutation of viruses. In any case, a cold must be treated. Range cold medicines is now quite extensive, but this does not mean that all of them are quite effective. Big Rating magazine brings to your attention best cold remedies - TOP 10.
Arbidol
"Arbidol" is a fast-acting medicine that relieves the symptoms of a cold or flu within 24 hours. The course of treatment should be continued for at least five days. In case of exacerbation viral disease, you need to take the drug for a week, one tablet per day. The drug is prescribed to patients diagnosed with acute respiratory disease and influenza. The drug is also recommended as a means of strengthening the immune system, for the patient’s recovery after surgery. In this case, Arbidol is taken for 2-5 days. The drug is produced in the form of capsules in a film shell.
Theraflu powder
A drug with an antiviral and antipyretic effect, which completely relieves the symptoms of a cold or flu and cures the disease within a day. Simply dissolve the powder in hot boiled water and have a drink. For the fastest possible recovery, bed rest and compliance with medical orders are necessary. The active ingredient of the drug is paracetamol. Theraflu is contraindicated for: pregnant and lactating women, people suffering from alcoholism, diabetics and children under 12 years of age. Taking the drug for people with impaired kidney and liver function, as well as for patients with arterial hypertension, not recommended without prior consultation with your doctor.
Anaferon
"Anaferon" is a homeopathic antiviral remedy that strengthens the immune system. The main purpose of the drug is to help the immune system fight the virus. "Anaferon" is suitable for the treatment of both colds and flu. You need to take the drug one tablet 3-6 times a day. After the patient’s well-being improves, to prevent relapse of the disease, a gradual reduction in dosage to one tablet per day is required. Since Anaferon has no side effects or contraindications, except for individual intolerance to the drug, it can be taken even by children over 12 years of age. For the little ones, Anaferon for children is available separately.
Kagocel
A specialized and potent remedy for quickly relieving symptoms of colds and flu. At the first manifestations of the disease, you should take Kagocel three times a day, two tablets after meals. After the patient’s condition improves, the dose can be gradually reduced to one tablet three times a day. It should be remembered that the entire course of treatment should not consist of more than 18 tablets. To prevent flu and colds, you need to take Kagocel one tablet per day for one week. For children over 3 years of age, the course of treatment consists of taking one tablet twice a day for 4 days. "Kagocel" is contraindicated exclusively for people with individual intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnant women and nursing mothers. But if the first allergic reaction occurs, you must immediately stop taking the drug.
Coldrex
A very popular and very recognizable cold remedy. Coldrex copes well with the manifestations of the first symptoms of the disease: nasal congestion, headache, fever and runny nose. In the first days of illness, you should take one sachet at 4-hour intervals. After symptoms subside, use should be discontinued. If a relapse is possible, the drug can be continued by reducing the dosage. We should not forget that long-term use of Coldrex is fraught with side effects, so overdose should be avoided and treatment should not be delayed for more than 5 days. The drug is not recommended for use by: pregnant and lactating women, diabetics, heart patients and people with liver dysfunction.
Antigrippin
"Antigrippin" is a combined antiviral medicine, consisting of a number of elements: paracetamol, ascorbic acid and chlorpheniramine maleate. Each of these elements is designed to influence individual symptoms diseases, and all together they help the body increase immunity and fight colds. You should take Antigrippin three times a day after meals, one blue and one red capsule, as well as powder, until you feel completely better. The maximum duration of treatment is 5 days. If during this time the patient’s condition has not improved, a doctor’s consultation is necessary. Before you start taking Antigrippin, we strongly recommend that you read the instructions for the drug, since it has extensive range contraindications.
Fervex
Paracetamol contained in Fervex helps relieve cold and flu symptoms such as elevated temperature and headache. And finarimine is responsible for soothing the nasal mucosa and has an antihistamine effect. Fervex should be taken one sachet three times a day between meals. To avoid overdose, a 4-hour interval should be maintained between taking the drug. For elderly people and patients with liver problems, it is advisable to increase the interval of taking the powder to 8 hours. The drug can be taken in combination with other antiviral medications. If you follow the recommendations and maintain the dosage, Fervex does not cause side effects. In exceptional cases, the following manifestations are possible: allergic rash, nausea, urinary retention. For children under 15 years of age, the Fervex children's form is produced.
Amiksin
"Amiksin" is prescribed for viral hepatitis, hepatic infections, as well as treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases. Since Amiksin is a potent drug, it is important to follow the instructions for use exactly of this medicine. For the first two days, it is recommended to take one tablet, observing a 48-hour interval. The entire course of treatment should not exceed a dose of 6 tablets. In case of an overdose of the drug, side effects may occur. "Amiksin" is contraindicated in children under 7 years of age, as well as in pregnant women and during lactation. For children over 7 years of age, the drug can be used, but subject to strict adherence to the dosage.
Ingavirin
The drug is popular because of its excellent antiviral effect, and also because it does not dull the reaction and does not cause drowsiness in the person taking Ingavirin. The medicine is prescribed to both children and adults, therefore it has two special forms. The children's form of the drug is intended for children from the age of seven. You need to take Ingavirin one capsule per day. The maximum duration of treatment should not exceed a week. For children, the dosage of the drug and treatment period are identical to adults. "Ingavirin" is not recommended for use with other antiviral drugs and is contraindicated for pregnant women and people with individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Grippferon
This drug helps fight flu and colds by acting directly on the immune system of the sick person. "Grippferon" is available in various pharmacological forms, which allows you to most effectively select a drug suitable for the prevention or treatment of the disease. Being an immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug, Grippferon copes well with coronavirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza and parainfluenza viruses. The drug shortens the duration of the disease and also reduces the risk of complications. Drops should be instilled 4-5 times a day. Children – 2-3 times. Before use, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the nasal cavities. The course of treatment is 5 days. The drug is absolutely harmless, therefore allergic reactions and side effects are possible only in case of individual intolerance to the components of Grippferon.
A cold is not a diagnosis. This is a common everyday name for diseases that attack us mainly in winter and autumn, when it is cold outside.
A cold is recognized by a runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache and weakness. Sometimes the temperature rises.
Where does a cold come from?
A cold is not caused by cold, as its name might suggest. Usually a cold is a viral infection, something that is abbreviated in the cards.
exists around us great amount viruses that cause similar symptoms. Viruses spread through air or touch Common cold in places where many people gather: in transport, offices, schools. When germs enter the body, our immune system responds to the attack and produces antibodies - protective proteins that kill the virus. This takes several days, from three to ten, and then the immune system destroys the microbe.
Viruses spread during the cold season, and it is not known exactly why this happens. There is a theory that at low temperatures our immunity weakens and is less able to ward off virus attacks. Can Being Cold Really Make You Sick?. This means that it is not the forgotten hat that is to blame for a cold, but the body’s unpreparedness to fight germs.
By the way, influenza also belongs to the same “cold” ARVI, but it is much more complex and dangerous virus. How to deal with it, Lifehacker already.
How to treat a cold
Colds actually go away on their own in about a week once antibodies appear. But we can help the body cope with the disease more easily.
Stay home and relax
Of course, we are very busy and cannot afford to relax because of a runny nose. But the body is also very busy: it is overwhelmed with the fight against viruses. And his deadline is more important.
Bed rest is just what you need when you feel unwell.
In addition, respiratory viruses (those that infect respiratory system) are highly contagious. If you have the strength to go to work or study even when sick, then think that you can transmit the virus to a weakened person. And it will not be so easy for him to cope with a cold.
Drink more fluids
This is not “drink eight glasses a day” advice. Liquids are really needed when you have a cold. Dried fruit compote or warm tea helps cope with unpleasant symptoms. You should drink 3-5 cups more per day than when you are healthy.
When there is enough fluid in the body, it is easier for all mucous membranes (which suffer most from the effects of viruses) to work. When a person is sick and drinks a lot, he easily produces phlegm from his lungs and mucus from his nose, which means that viral particles do not linger in the body.
During a fever, the body loses a lot of moisture, so heat also a reason to drink a cup of tea.
You can add herbal decoctions to tea: chamomile, linden, sage. They help alleviate cold symptoms and bring at least some variety to the tea menu.
Use nasal drops
Nasal drops are different, because a runny nose is different.
- Salt water drops. Saline solution 0.9% - good remedy to moisturize the mucous membrane. It will help to gently rinse your nose and remove mucus. Some manufacturers offer sea water, but in general you can use regular saline solution, which is sold at the pharmacy: it is cheaper. Salt water You can cook it at home too. To do this, a teaspoon of salt must be dissolved in one liter of water. You can drink this water often, every half hour. Then you will really feel the full power of a simple remedy.
- Oil drops. They help when the nose is not stuffy. They moisturize the mucous membranes and make breathing easier.
- Vasoconstrictor drops. They remove swelling of the nose, which makes it impossible to breathe. Such drops should be used with caution: do not use them for more than five days, so as not to cause addiction, do not exceed the dosage specified in the instructions, so as not to provoke poisoning active substance(this is especially important for children).
Help your throat
A sore throat is best helped by gentle therapy: warm tea in small sips, warm gargling, lozenges.
Gargle the better that pleases you. For example, the same herbal decoctions: chamomile or calendula.
Do not force yourself to make elixirs from iodine, soda or aloe with kerosene.
The purpose of rinsing is to relieve pain and swallowing, and not to destroy all living things. The virus still cannot be washed off this way.
Use painkillers
When you just have a headache, don’t force yourself to suffer and take ibuprofen or paracetamol based remedies.
Let the temperature work
Keep it above 38.5°C. Before this figure, it is better not to fight fever, because it is needed to destroy viruses. Of course, if you feel unwell, it is better to help yourself with painkillers and antipyretics.
Ventilate your rooms and take a walk
A draft and fresh air from a window will not cause deterioration. On the contrary, they will help. Ventilation is a way to clean the air in a room from germs, the simplest and most accessible method of disinfection.
Calm walks on fresh air also help you feel better, but you don’t need to go for a walk mall, but in a park or at least an alley, where there are not many people.
Of course, walking is a remedy for when you feel more or less normal or are already recovering.
How not to treat a cold
It turns out that the cold goes away on its own and there is no need to treat it. But it’s hard to accept, you want to do something as quickly as possible and somehow influence the body - shouldn’t you sit idly by? But this is exactly what needs to be done. At colds care and regimen are the treatment; their importance should not be underestimated.
When your hands reach for the first aid kit, remember what not to do:
- Drink antibiotics. Antibiotics only act on bacteria and do not kill viruses. Drinking antibacterial drugs without indications is dangerous: you can collect a bouquet side effects and grow a superbug on yourself that will not respond to treatment. Lifehacker already wrote about this.
- Buy antiviral drugs and immunomodulators at the pharmacy. They have no proven effectiveness, 100% only work to empty wallets. The same applies to homeopathy.
- Put mustard plasters and soar your feet. What grandmothers and parents love so much is too dangerous: there is a high risk of getting burned by hot water or mustard. These procedures do not destroy viruses. I'll tell you a secret that in medical colleges they are carried out within the framework of the topic “Distraction procedures” so that the patient feels cared for and thinks less about the disease.
- Drink vitamins by the handful. Especially vitamin C. It was once thought to help with colds. This is wrong 5 Tips: Natural Products for the Flu and Colds: What Does the Science Say?, but old beliefs live long.
Why is a cold dangerous?
For more or less healthy person a cold is not dangerous. But if you abuse yourself and don’t allow your body to heal, it can lead to complications. For example, to viral infection a bacterial infection will join in, which needs to be treated for a long time, or the cold will turn into. In addition, the infection can become chronic, meaning it keeps coming back.
So any cold is a reason to take care of yourself and give yourself time to recover.
When to ask for help
Behind the mask of a cold there may be more serious illnesses. Be sure to ask for medical care, If:
- The symptoms have not gone away for three weeks.
- Some symptom has become very strong or causes pain.
- It became difficult to breathe.
- There was pain in the chest.
